The Chicago Cubs have had a somewhat quiet offseason, with their main addition being Kyle Tucker, but they remain in “win-now” mode according to Jed Hoyer, and could be a strong fit for one of the Seattle Mariners’ pitchers. The Mariners have an abundance of pitching talent but are in need of offensive help, and according to FanSided’s Mark Powell, the Cubs are an “ideal fit” for a trade involving Luis Castillo if they aim to maximize their chances of contending in 2025.
Castillo, who signed a five-year, $108 million deal with the Mariners in 2023, has a vesting option that could keep him with the team until 2028, meaning he might not hit free agency until after that season. For the Cubs, acquiring Castillo would significantly strengthen their rotation, which already includes Justin Steele and Shōta Imanaga, making it one of the most formidable in baseball. Castillo, a three-time All-Star, posted a 3.64 ERA with 175 strikeouts in 2023, and he had an even better season in 2023 with a 3.34 ERA and 219 strikeouts.
Bringing in Castillo would be a major step forward for the Cubs as they look to challenge for the National League Central title in 2025. While the trade wouldn’t come cheap, the Cubs have a deep farm system and could potentially provide the Mariners with the assets they would require in return.
