Good news!! Yankees Acquire Three-Time All-Star in $108 Million Trade Deal,
Good news!! Yankees Acquire Three-Time All-Star in $108 Million Trade Deal, Gerrit Cole is out for the season, and Luis Gil will also be sidelined for a period of time, leaving the New York Yankees vulnerable to further injuries as the season progresses. While it’s a tough situation, injuries to pitchers have been on the rise like never before.
A smart move would be to trade for another starting pitcher. The Yankees have both prospects to offer and financial flexibility, despite any claims to the contrary.
If they are open to taking on additional salary, Luis Castillo could be an ideal acquisition. He is currently signed to a five-year, $108 million contract through 2027, with a vesting option for 2028.
Zach Pressnell of NewsWeek proposed a trade scenario in which the Yankees acquire Castillo by dealing several MLB-ready prospects.
“With uncertainties surrounding Gil and Cole, the Yankees could pursue a major trade to bolster their rotation. Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo would be a valuable addition. The Yankees were previously interested in him when the Cincinnati Reds explored trading him, but he ultimately landed in Seattle,” Pressnell noted.
“To acquire Castillo, the Yankees would likely have to part with prospects like Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, or Jorbit Vivas, along with additional assets. While costly, it’s a move the Yankees should consider,” he added.
Castillo Considered a ‘Top’ Target
Castillo was expected to be on the trade market during the offseason, but neither the Yankees nor any other team met the Mariners’ asking price, so he remains in Seattle.
Although he has a favorable contract, the Mariners have historically been open to shedding salary. If the Yankees are willing to offer the right prospects, a deal could be appealing.
Jack Murray of Bleacher Report also identified Castillo as one of the Yankees’ top trade targets, stating:
“Seattle may be hesitant to trade Castillo, but a strong offer could convince them. He posted an 11-12 record with a 3.64 ERA in 2024, and at 32 years old, he remains under contract through at least 2027, making him a valuable addition to the rotation.”
Will the Mariners Move Castillo?
While the Yankees were interested in acquiring Castillo earlier in the offseason, the Mariners might now be less inclined to trade him. With a competitive American League West and a strong pitching staff, they could opt to keep him unless the right offer comes along.
Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reported that a Castillo trade is now less likely than it was earlier in the offseason.
“The Mariners will continue evaluating potential roster upgrades, but multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the team’s plans suggest that trading Luis Castillo—Seattle’s highest-paid player—is now less probable than it was earlier this winter,” Jude wrote.
