Dodgers Linked to $108 Million All-Star Pitcher in Potential Blockbuster Trade
Three-time All-Star starting pitcher Luis Castillo may be available for trade this offseason. But, the Dodgers are not considered top contenders for the Dominican pitcher.
The Seattle Mariners are in desperate need of infield pieces. To combat the lack of support in the infield, Seattle may consider trading pitchers in their rotation, which is arguably the best in the Major Leagues. The Mariners have five consistent starters, including four younger pitchers and eight-season veteran Castillo.
Castillo is considered to be the main pitcher the Mariners would consider trading. However, Seattle would likely require teams to offer an infielder and starter to fill the void left by Castillo.
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Although the Dodgers signed two-time Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year contract, the franchise may still consider adding to their rotation. Castillo would be a smart financial decision because he is only owed $68.25 million over the next three years.
The Dodgers have second baseman Gavin Lux to offer as an infielder. He would likely split time with the Mariners’ 2024 American League Gold Glove winner Dylan Moore, who can play both shortstop and second base.
Lux missed the entire 2023 season as he recovered from ACL surgery. After returning in 2024, Lux struggled at the plate at the beginning of the season. But, by the second half of the season, the Wisconsin native slashed .304/.390/.508 to help the Dodgers clinch the National League West title.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds isn’t sure that would be enough, though.
“Perhaps Gavin Lux could be a serviceable platoon partner for Moore at second base, but even adding a young starter such as Landon Knack alongside Lux seems unlikely to entice the Mariners to part ways with Castillo,” Deeds wrote.
In the regular season, Knack held a 3-5 record while logging a 3.65 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and 1.10 WHIP. Through the Dodgers’ World Series run, Knack pitched in the bullpen. But, he struggled in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, allowing five of the New York Mets’ seven runs.
Although Lux and Knack were overall strong players for the Dodgers this season, it seems unlikely that they would be enough for the Mariners to give up Castillo. Thus, Deeds considers them a long shot in the sweepstakes.
Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
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Wasn’t Castillo traded to the Red Sox? Was that disinformation? If there was no such trade, then yes, the Dodgers should trade a few players for Castillo, even if they believe Sasaki is coming. The Dodgers don’t have room on the 40 man roster but they can and should be making trades of a 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 nature, more bodies going out, 1 elite one coming in. Castillo is close to elite and has a reasonable salary. Sign Murakami to play 3B in 2026. Muncy’s last contract year is 2025. And make some room for Tanner Scott by making 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 trades. Gonsolin and May can go to the bullpen.
You may be thinking of Crochet in terms of a pitcher being traded to the Red Sox. I wanted the Dodgers to trade for Castillo when he was with Cincinnati. The Mariners want to shed his contract. If the Dodgers pay it all, I think he can be had for Lux and a young arm.
Agreed. Send them Lux or Taylor, Knack and Dustin May whose arm may or may not be suited to starting again but would be a good closer. IMO. If tyhe The Dodgers do sign Tanner Scott then that job is gone to…
I’m still in shock we didn’t give Bueler 2 years at 45 mil. With opt out after one year. I 100% agree a two or three for one to get Castillo and sign KIKE. No way will we have too many starters even if we get Saki. This opens up the 40 man to sign who we need. Hope this isn’t a wild rumor.
It is disappointing they did not keep Buehler. He could have been the 6th man in the rotation for one year. He was so great in the post-season, not just in 2024. I guess the Castillo to the Red Sox trade fell through. Trade for Castillo and sign Sasaki and put Gonsolin and May (if either of them still remains after trading for Castillo) in the bullpen. Then they won’t need Tanner Scott.
It’s a 1 year loan to the Redsox if he’s successful for a whole year the Dodgers could offer him a healthy contract in 26.
It’s a 1 year loan to the Redsox if he’s successful for a whole year the Dodgers could offer him a healthy contract in 26.