Mariners-Cubs trade talks could reignite after Chicago insider's big update

The Seattle Mariners starting pitcher trade rumors have been big a topic of conversation this month. Luis Castillo has been featured in rumors to Boston in exchange for first baseman Triston Casas, but Justin Hollander shut down that idea.

While Hollander may be hesitant to trade Castillo or any other Mariners starter, one team that might be interested in a Mariners pitcher is the Chicago Cubs. Previously, it was believed the two sides could link up on a deal, but no traction was made despite the M's talking about Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner with them.

But after talks of a Jesús Luzardo trade with Miami appear to have broken down for the Cubbies, perhaps they'll take the Mariners more seriously.

Mariners Rumors: Could Cubs emerge as trade partner for starting pitching?

Outside of their big trade for Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have prioritized starting pitching this offseason, signing left-handed starter Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million deal. Despite having a rotation that already features lefties Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, the Cubs were interested in adding another in Luzardo.

While the details of why these trade talks broke down are unclear, the assumption is that Luzardo's physicals were not good. Luzardo missed time last season with elbow tightness, and then a lumbar stress reaction ended his year.

So here's where the Mariners come in. With righty Jameson Taillon firmly set in their rotation, the Cubs might add another right-handed starter if they are not sold on Javier Assad. Luis Castillo makes sense for the Cubs, given his durability, team control, and higher strikeout totals than Assad.

The question becomes who the Mariners would want in return for Castillo. Hoerner is a must if the Mariners decide to trade with the Cubs. Seattle needs a middle infielder, and Hoerner fits perfectly with the Mariners. Additionally, the Cubs have a top-10 farm system that the Mariners can dig into if a Castillo-for-Hoerner trade isn't enough for Hollander.

The failed talks for Luzardo open a window for the Mariners to add the middle infielder they need for next season. Castillo is a healthier option than Luzardo, and it gives the Cubs an actual reliable right-handed starting pitcher to balance their rotation.