The Seattle Mariners lastly received their man.
Wanting so as to add a top-shelf beginning pitcher for the reason that offseason, the Mariners acquired Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds for a quartet of minor-leaguers – shortstops Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo and starters Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore. A heavy value for a 29-year-old set to hit free company after subsequent season. However contenders dealing prospects is a part of the enterprise.
Because the esteemed Dave Grosby famous earlier this month, there are two causes groups have prospects. Final evening, the Mariners selected the choice “The Groz” didn’t point out. The group used fairness developed on the farm to instantly enhance its big-league roster in a significant approach.
2 causes to have prospects and one is to develop them
— Dave Grosby (@Thegroz) July 14, 2022
I already know what various of you might be pondering. The haul the Reds obtained is extremely regarded, which instantly feeds right into a long-standing concern shared by a phase of Seattle’s fan base. A few of the kids despatched to Cincinnati might turn out to be good main leaguers and even *gasp* stars. What if the Mariners simply gave up the following Jason Varitek, Adam Jones, Freddy Peralta, or Pablo López?
So what?
Followers might not need to imagine this, however trades are supposed to profit all groups concerned. If the Reds find yourself with useful items for his or her rebuild, nice. And good luck to Marte, Arroyo, Stoudt, and Moore. I hope all of them get pleasure from lengthy, productive careers within the majors. Alternatively, take into account the upside the Mariners are receiving proper now and thru the 2023 marketing campaign.
Castillo instantly turns into the most effective starter on the Mariners and possesses the expertise to as soon as once more earn that distinction subsequent season. In a number of statistical classes, the right-hander is superior to Seattle’s 5 important starters – 2021 AL Cy Younger Award winner Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, Marco Gonzales, Chris Flexen, and rookie George Kirby.
Castillo’s stats (and rank on the M’s)
6.1 IP/GS (1st)
71 QS% (1st)
2.86 ERA (2nd)
3.20 FIP (1st)
2.0 HR% (1st)
25.8 Okay% (2nd)
8.0 BB% (fifth)
1.071 WHIP (1st)
.201 AVG (1st)
.274 OBP (1st)
.318 SLG (1st)
.266 wOBA (1st)
.280 xwOBA (1st)
Positive, there’s a threat Castillo will get injured or regresses between now and the top of subsequent season. In spite of everything, the two-time All-Star is knowledgeable athlete and a pitcher nonetheless. However letting what-ifs or concern of failure drive decision-making to the purpose of inaction is counterproductive and the hallmark of an unsuccessful group. Seattle’s said goal for 2022 and future campaigns is attain and advance within the postseason. Castillo can play an important function within the turning the staff’s targets into actuality proper now.
The Castillo acquisition is significant for an additional motive, if solely symbolic in nature. The Mariners reportedly beat out the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers for arguably the most effective beginning pitcher obtainable on the commerce market. When was the final time Seattle outbid the competitors for a premium expertise on the commerce deadline?
The Yankees informed the Reds from the outset of talks on Castillo that they’d not embrace Anthony Volpe. A deal constructed round Oswald Peraza was not going to match in Cincy’s view what it in the end obtained from the Mariners.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2022
Primarily, touchdown Castillo alerts the Mariners are absolutely dedicated to be being a postseason contender in 2022. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto mentioned as a lot to Seattle Times beat writer Ryan Divish and different members of the media. It is a good factor for Seattle’s long-suffering fan base.
“We see Luis Castillo as an influence, prime of the rotation starter who’s presently on prime of his recreation. Our aim stays to play within the postseason, now and within the years to return. We imagine including Luis is a giant step in that course.” – Jerry Dipoto
Maybe Mariners followers involved about shedding prospects can discover some solace in realizing their favourite staff has turn out to be good at figuring out, buying, and creating younger gamers. Subsequently, it’s affordable to imagine the Dipoto regime can proceed to succeed at this core operate, which had been a shortcoming of the group for many years.
I’m certain the “identical ole Mariners” crowd will stay pessimistic. They like specializing in the staff’s many earlier player-acquisition miscues and the unavoidable truth Seattle hasn’t reached the postseason since 2001. That’s high-quality. However this yr’s membership received’t fall into that drained, clichéd class, even it falls wanting the postseason. If it did, Dipoto doesn’t pull off the Castillo deal. As a substitute, he provides across the edges lacking a golden alternative to considerably enhance his roster.
That’s not what occurred yesterday. Dipoto and the Mariners went for it, lastly. Maybe doing so backfires in the long term. However what’s the choice? Look ahead to the following yr’s prospect rankings from Keith Law and experience how effectively Seattle’s farm system stacks up in opposition to the remainder of the league?
No thanks.
By buying Castillo yesterday, Dipoto modified how the Mariners are perceived nationally. Primarily, he ushered in a brand new period the place Seattle might be taken significantly within the commerce market and as a postseason contender.
Like I mentioned, at present is an effective day.
The Mariners lastly received their man.
My Oh My…
Luke Arkins
Luke is a local New Yorker, who grew up as a Mets fan. After the US Navy moved him to the Pacific Northwest in 2009, he determined to make Seattle his house.
In 2014, Luke joined the Prospect Insider staff. Throughout baseball season, he can usually be discovered observing the native staff at T-Cellular Park.
You’ll be able to comply with Luke on Twitter @luke_arkins
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