Seattle Mariners Now Seen as "Less Likely" to Trade Luis Castillo

Per Seattle Times writer Adam Jude, the Seattle Mariners roster is now set and a trade involving the three-time All-Star starting pitcher isn't as likely as it was earlier in the winter.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo throws during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 28 at T-Mobile Park. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners pitchers and catchers set to report to Spring Training on Feb. 12.

After an offseason filled with question marks about what the Mariners infield and lineup will look like in 2025, it's now more or less solidified who the position players will be when they report several days after the pitchers and catchers.

Seattle signed Jorge Polanco to a one-year, $7.75 million deal on Jan. 30 and he'll play third base. The club also came to terms with Donovan Solano on a one-year, $3.5 million deal in mid-January. He'll mainly play first base but will spend some time at second and designated hitter.

According to a recent story from Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the roster is effectively set. Per the story, the Mariners will keep an eye out on the market and any potential deals that may arise. But Seattle's payroll budget is almost completely spent. The available money after Polanco's deal was less than $4 million. Polanco's deal could end up being worth over $11 million with incentives.

Jorge Polanco is making me start to consider the Mariners taking that 12 million club option in 2025…. pic.twitter.com/INv3oXQSC4

— EastCoastM’s🔱 (@EastCoastMs_) August 14, 2024

Seattle's biggest bargaining chip in trade discussions is also less likely to be moved according to Jude:

The Mariners will continue to monitor the market for potential roster upgrades, but trading veteran right-hander Luis Castillo — their highest paid player — is less likely now than it was early in winter, according to multiple major-league sources with direct knowledge of the club's plans.

There was speculation that the Mariners could still potentially move Castillo based on where Alex Bregman signs. But it seems possible that Seattle is headed into 2025 with the following lineup:

Catcher: Cal Raleigh
First base: Luke Raley
Second base: Dylan Moore/Leo Rivas/Ryan Bliss/Cole Young
Third base: Polanco
Designated hitter: Solano/Mitch Garver/Mitch Haniger
Left field: Randy Arozarena
Center field: Julio Rodriguez
Right field: Victor Robles

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