The trade rumor mill is heating up as Jon Morosi reports that the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners have resumed discussions about a potential deal involving Luis Castillo.
This comes on the heels of Baltimore securing Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, moves that may have bolstered their rotation but haven’t diminished their appetite for a true ace.
Orioles Still Searching for Their Ace
As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic pointed out, the Orioles remain in the market for a bona fide No. 1 to replace Corbin Burnes, who departed for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Luis Castillo, a 32-year-old veteran, is an intriguing but imperfect candidate for that role. In 2024, his performance hovered around the league average, with a whiff rate sitting in the 53rd percentile.
While those numbers don’t scream dominance, Castillo still boasts a fastball that ranks among the best in the league. That is a testament to his ability to generate value even when his overall effectiveness wanes.
Moreover, durability is a key selling point. He’s made 30 or more starts in five of his eight big-league seasons, embodying the kind of reliability many teams covet.
Luis Castillo: A Durable but Declining Option
The real sticking point here might be Castillo’s price tag. He’s under contract for three more seasons at $24.2 million per year—a steep commitment for a pitcher whose best days might be behind him.
Given this, his trade value may not exceed his current salary, which could explain the Orioles’ interest.
Rosenthal reports that Baltimore is reluctant to part with top prospects like Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, or Jordan Westburg, meaning they’re likely looking for a more budget-friendly acquisition cost.
The Cost Conundrum: What’s Holding Up the Deal?
On the flip side, the Mariners aren’t willing to part with Castillo unless the return immediately bolsters their own squad now. With one of the best starting rotations in the league, they will not be willing to make moves unless the boost is obvious.
They’ve reportedly grown “frustrated” with offers that fall short of this mark, which further complicates matters.
For now, the Orioles may continue their pursuit, but the question remains: will they meet Seattle’s price or look elsewhere to find their ace?
One thing’s for sure—the clock is ticking, and the pitching market waits for no one.
