Luis Castillo, a three-time All-Star starting pitcher, could be on the trading block this offseason. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly not among the frontrunners to acquire the Dominican ace.
The Seattle Mariners, known for their elite starting rotation, are facing a significant need for infield reinforcements. With five reliable starters, including four younger arms and the veteran Castillo, the Mariners may look to address their infield gaps by trading from their pitching depth. Castillo is considered the most likely trade candidate, but any deal would likely require a team to offer both an infielder and a starting pitcher to offset his departure.
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Although the Dodgers recently signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year deal, they may still look to bolster their rotation. Castillo presents a financially appealing option, as he is under contract for $68.25 million over the next three years.
Los Angeles could offer second baseman Gavin Lux as part of a trade package. Lux, who missed the 2023 season recovering from ACL surgery, had a slow start to 2024 but rebounded with a strong second half, slashing .304/.390/.508 and contributing to the Dodgers’ National League West title. Lux would likely share second-base duties with the Mariners’ Dylan Moore, the 2024 American League Gold Glove winner, who can also play shortstop.
However, MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds is skeptical that a package centered around Lux would suffice.
“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 noted.
Knack, who posted a 3.65 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP in the regular season, also pitched out of the bullpen during the Dodgers’ World Series run. Despite a solid season, his struggles in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series—where he allowed five runs to the Mets—may diminish his trade value.
While Lux and Knack performed well overall in 2024, their inclusion in a potential trade package seems insufficient to pry Castillo away from the Mariners. As such, Deeds considers the Dodgers unlikely contenders in the Castillo sweepstakes.
