The Mets’ rotation depth is already being tested, and spring training’s barely begun. They’ve taken the biggest injury hit of any MLB team so far, losing new signing Frankie Montas for six to eight weeks with a lat strain.
That’s a significant blow to a rotation that was already raising eyebrows. Their ace Kodai Senga made just one start last season, and after Sean Manaea and David Peterson, there’s a concerning lack of experience. No one else in the mix has started 20 games in a season.
Here’s where Luis Castillo comes in. The Mariners’ right-hander could be exactly what the Mets need, according to ClutchPoints’ Brayden Haena. Castillo’s been a model of consistency – he put up a 3.64 ERA with 175 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings last year. He’s also got three years left on his deal at $72 million, plus a $24 million vesting option for 2028 that kicks in if he throws 180+ innings the year before.
The Mets have what Seattle might want – specifically Luisangel Acuña, who got his first taste of the big leagues last season. He’s projected as an everyday player, and while the Mets like his versatility, getting a proven arm like Castillo could be worth it. That’s especially true with Brett Baty and Jett Williams still in their system.
“Castillo would bring durability, strikeout ability, and postseason experience, giving the Mets a rotation strong enough to compete deep into October,” Haena wrote.
The contract’s sizeable, but that’s where the Mets’ financial muscle could come into play. They might even be able to keep Acuña if they’re willing to take on Castillo’s full salary, giving Seattle some financial flexibility in return.
It’s the kind of creative deal that could solve multiple problems at once – the Mets get their rotation stabilizer, and the Mariners could free up payroll while potentially adding talent. Now it’s just a matter of whether both sides see it the same way.
