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Part 2: The Mariners could continue long-term build by trading Luis Castillo
Didn't the Mariners just hypothetically trade Julio? Wasn't the argument having an elite pitching staff? Guess what?! We're trading Luis Castillo.
Luis Castillo is an anchor in the Mariners pitching staff. As part of a three-headed monster featuring himself, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert, Castillo is the ace of a staff that no team wants to face in the postseason. The Mariners paid a heavy price to bring the former Cincinnati Reds' ace to the Pacific Northwest. The price was paid off when the Mariners made the playoffs in 2022 for the first time since 2001. However, just like Julio, Luis is on the block. The Mariners could look to bolster the current club and the future by trading Luis Castillo.
Mariners receive: Sandy Alcantara, Luis Arraez
Marlins receive: Luis Castillo, Dylan Moore
Although Sandy Alcantara will be out for the year, he provides a high level starting pitching option for 2025. Luis Arraez is a pro's pro, putting on a hitting clinic every year, and might be the best bet to reach the .400 AVG mark since Ted Williams did in 1941. The Marlins need a starter to replace Alcantara if they hope to reach the postseason again. Luis Castillo would be a gem in the war chest for the Marlins if they want to contend for a postseason berth in 2024.
Mariners could get better immeadiately and long-term by trading Luis Castillo
To take away some of the sting from losing their second baseman, the Mariners will send Dylan Moore to the Marlins. Dylan Moore is such an interesting player as he can multiple positions, fields well, runs well, and can hit lefties at a decent clip. Moore allows the Marlins position flexibility and as a full-time player, Moore could put up career numbers and could be a Chris Taylor type player for the Marlins.
The Mariners have the starting pitching to replace Luis Castillo as we traded Julio to the White Sox for Dylan Cease and Luis Robert, not to mention George Kirby and Logan Gilbert holding rotation spots. Arraez allows Jorge Polanco to shift to third base, as Arraez fills in at second base. This might not be the best defense-based decision but Perry Hill will work his magic and make the infield defense respectable.
Making the lineup longer and being on base a lot, Luis Arraez will provide plenty of RBI situations for the hitters behind him. Imagine JP leading off, Arraez hitting second, followed by Robert, Garver, Raleigh, Haniger, Polanco, France, and Canzone. This lineup is lethal and balanced, featuring a mix of power, on-base percentage, left, right, and switch hitter options. Looking to make the postseason before another 20-year-plus drought, the Mariners look primed with pitching and an offense that can score in bunches.