Despite Trade Rumors, This Mariners Pitcher Is Still NOT Available for a Deal

While the Seattle Mariners scramble to find some way to improve their offense, the idea that they would have to trade from their excessive starting pitching riches continues to be the storyline. But the Mariners aren't following the script, and according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, one mystery team made a recent trade offer, and found out that at least one Seattle pitcher is still labeled "off limits."

The Seattle Mariners desperately need some offensive help after injuries to right fielder Victor Robles and second baseman Ryan Bliss will sideline them for at least three to four months. Yet, one club who offered a young infielder for veteran starter Luis Castillo, was told that Castillo remains off-limits - at least for now.

Nightengale does add that "at least for now" proviso, so maybe there's some point, at sometime in the future, that Seattle will finally cave and decide it's the prudent thing to do. But for now, the old adage "you have to give something of value to get something of value" just doesn't apply for M's president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto.

But which team, and which player was offered up for Castillo, and will it still be on the table later in the season? According to the Marine Layer podcast, it could have been one of two teams in the AL East:

A mystery team reportedly reached out to the Mariners about Luis Castillo amid the team’s injury issues so far, according to @BNightengale

Which team was it? And who was the player? pic.twitter.com/NDCISEgCL1
— Marine Layer Podcast (@MarineLayerPod) April 14, 2025

TJ Matthewson and Lyle Goldstein claim that with top prospect Roman Anthony due to be called up by the Boston Red Sox sometime soon, the young outfielder could displace Cedanne Rafaela, who's been playing centerfield, but is originally a middle infielder as his natural position.

Yes, Rafaela was just signed to a huge, 8-year, $50M contract by Boston, but "it's not a ton of money, and it's not an extension than hamstrings any team."

As well, the Baltimore Orioles are another team that "has a surplus of infielders, and not enough pitching." Could it be possible that Jordan Westburg or Heston Kjerstad might have been offered?

Castillo has been on the trade block—at least on social media—since last season. We'll see if the Mariners finally bite the bullet and swing a deal to bolster their muted offense, which sits 25th in baseball with a .210 average, and 21st in OPS at .667.