Could Mets hit trade market to bolster rotation? Here’s a deal that ‘makes sense’

The Mets are trying to bolster their roster after making it to Game 6 of the AL Championship Series the previous season.

The Mets are reportedly putting all of their effort into acquiring Juan Soto, the major free agent target. However, they need to address other critical gaps, particularly in beginning pitching, in addition to the left-handed slugger.

Frankie Montas has already been added by the Mets to one of the rotation’s potentially three open positions. What other plans do they have to complete the remaining starting five?

ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield recommended Tuesday that the Mets look to strengthen their rotation by pursuing trades. Schoenfield specifically suggests that they go after Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, a three-time All-Star.

According to Schoenfield, they could sign Max Fried or Corbin Burnes from the high-rent neighborhood, but perhaps a trade makes more sense because Castillo, who will have three years of team control, is a safer option than signing a player to a big long-term contract.

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How would one go about acquiring someone like Castillo?

According to Schoenfield, the Mariners might take a chance on Brett Baty, who is not available to the Mets to start at third base, along with one or two other prospects.

The following justifies a Castillo trade to the Mets:

Prior to the 2023 season, Castillo agreed to a five-year, $108 million deal with the Mariners. He has a 2028 option that vests if he pitches at least 180 innings in 2027, and his projected salary over the next three seasons is $24.15 million guaranteed.

Throughout his career, Castillo has made it to the 180-inning mark three times. He experienced two of those in 2019 and 2021 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

Right now, his deal is tied for the 14th highest among MLB starters. It’s not as valuable as, say, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jordan Montgomery, the Yankees’ Carlos Rodon, the Washington Nationals’ Corbin Burnes, and others on an average yearly basis.

Castillo’s price would be comparable to what comparable free agents are anticipated to make.

Despite having a higher ERA (3.80) than Castillo (3.64), right-hander Nathan Eovaldi is now worth more than Castillo. Eovaldi might land a deal worth $21.8 million. The AAV for Castillo’s contract is $21.6 million.

Although left-hander Max Fried beat Castillo in ERA 3.25 to 3.64 and was almost comparable to Castillo in most pitching categories, Fried is anticipated to sign a long-term contract with a potentially higher AAV than Castillo.

The same is true of Jack Flaherty, who, but for a spectacular Yankees meltdown, almost cost the Dodgers Game 5 of the World Series. Castillo has a superior record and is therefore a more desirable choice, but Flaherty might receive a contract that is comparable to what Castillo is owed.

It would be difficult to defeat a rotation centered on Castillo, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga. The Mets have one of the top rotations in the National League and may yet be able to re-sign Luis Severino or Sean Manaea.

You can contact Manny G. Mez at [email protected].

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