According to the Seattle Times, the Chicago Cubs have joined in the mix of teams interested in Mariners starter pitcher Luis Castillo. It was announced earlier this week that the Boston Red Sox were also among the teams interested in the 32-year-old Dominican right-handed starter. The New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Mets are also in the mix to land Castillo. The Cubs already got things rolling this offseason with a huge blockbuster trade involving the Houston Astros. The Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith.
The #Cubs have trade interest in one of the #Mariners‘ top starters (and an old NL Central foe)https://t.co/y372uSaFwi pic.twitter.com/XJsXxFaQN7
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 14, 2024
Cubs Tackling Starting Pitcher Market Eyeing Luis Castillo
What Castillo Has To Offer
Castillo sported an 11-12 record with a 3.64 ERA along with 175 punchouts. The Cubs are in a good spot to take a crack at the starting pitcher market this offseason. The Cubs adding Castillo to their starting pitcher rotation would mean them acquiring a starter who has an effective and nasty changeup. Castillo has a lot going for him and he showcased this through solid 2024 stats. For example, Castillo made 30 starts and successfully pitched five or more innings in all but one start. This showcases his ability to pitch deep into games.
Castillo also only surrendered three earned runs or less in 22 of his last 27 starts. Overall, he would be a suitable weapon in the Cubs’ starting rotation. Castillo has lengthy experience in the majors with multiple seasons where he’s recorded 30 or more starts. In addition, since 2021 among starting pitchers with a minimum of 500 innings pitched Castillo has put up 753 strikeouts tied for 8th in MLB as well as 71 quality starts with a 13.2 WAR tied for 12th in MLB. Despite some decline in his numbers since 2023, Castillo in the last five seasons from 2019 to 2024 has ranked 8th in fWAR, 8th in bWAR, 5th in innings pitched, and 14th with ERA.
Main Photo Credits: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
