Phillies Consider Mock Trade for Mariners’ Luis Castillo
The Seattle Mariners are exploring ways to enhance their offense, particularly at third base, leveraging their strong starting pitching depth. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for pitching upgrades and may consider trading Alec Bohm, their starting third baseman. Could a trade between these teams be a win-win?
A Hypothetical Deal
ESPN’s David Schoenfield proposed a potential trade scenario in which Seattle sends star pitcher Luis Castillo to Philadelphia in exchange for Bohm. The Mariners, who struggled at third base in 2024 with a revolving door of underperforming players, need a consistent hitter. Bohm, despite defensive inconsistencies, offers value. He hit 44 doubles, drove in 97 runs, and posted a 115 wRC+ with a 3.5 fWAR in 2024, making him an appealing option for a Mariners team looking to cut strikeouts and boost their lineup.
Castillo, on the other hand, is a proven ace but comes with a hefty price tag, earning $24.15 million annually through 2026. While his 3.64 ERA in 2024 was solid, his strikeout rate has declined, and at age 32, concerns about durability are reasonable. For the Mariners, moving Castillo would clear payroll to address multiple needs, including second base, designated hitter, and bullpen depth.
Why It Makes Sense for Both Teams
The Phillies, who fell short in the playoffs, need rotation reinforcements. Adding Castillo would give them a top-tier arm to complement their staff. For Seattle, acquiring Bohm provides a long-term solution at third base while freeing up resources for additional upgrades. The deal aligns with each team’s current priorities and needs.
Outlook
This trade remains purely hypothetical and was suggested as part of a discussion around potential moves during the upcoming Winter Meetings. Whether the Phillies and Mariners seriously consider such a swap will depend on their respective evaluations of value, fit, and long-term strategy. Still, the proposal highlights intriguing possibilities for both franchises as they aim to contend in 2025.
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