Report: Orioles, Mariners talked Castillo trade in recent days
The Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles might be looking to swing a big trade.
The two teams have discussed a swap involving three-time All-Star right-hander Luis Castillo in recent days, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Baltimore is among a group of teams linked to the 32-year-old pitcher who has been generating trade interest much of the offseason. The Orioles are expected to use Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer, as well as offseason additions Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, in their 2025 rotation.
The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets have also been connected to the hurler at various points this winter. The Red Sox appear to be out of the running after signing Walker Buehler following a failed attempt to acquire Castillo.
Seattle has been fielding calls for Castillo as it attempts to free up payroll to improve an offense that finished 21st in runs scored and 29th in batting average last season.
Castillo has been a top-of-the-rotation arm for the Mariners since they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds at the 2022 trade deadline. He's authored a 3.43 ERA and 9.7 K/9 in 437 2/3 innings for Seattle.
The Dominican pitcher is owed $72 million over the next three seasons. His contract also includes a $25-million vesting option for 2028 that is based on how much time he is injured between 2025-27 and how many innings he throws in 2027.