The Los Angeles Dodgers are in ongoing discussions with the Seattle Mariners regarding a potential trade, with a three-time All-Star starting pitcher potentially being moved this offseason. However, the Dodgers are not currently considered the front-runners to acquire the Dominican ace.
The Mariners, who are in need of infield upgrades, could be open to trading one of their top rotation arms. Seattle has one of the most formidable starting rotations in Major League Baseball, featuring five reliable starters, including four younger pitchers and the seasoned Luis Castillo, an eight-year veteran.
Castillo is widely considered the most likely pitcher to be traded, but the Mariners would likely ask for a package that includes an infielder and another starting pitcher to offset Castillo’s departure.
Despite recently signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year contract, the Dodgers may still look to bolster their rotation further. Castillo presents an affordable option, as he is owed $68.25 million over the next three years.
Second baseman Gavin Lux could be a potential trade piece for the Dodgers. If traded to Seattle, Lux could share infield duties with Dylan Moore, the 2024 American League Gold Glove winner, who is capable of playing both shortstop and second base.
Lux, who missed the entire 2023 season recovering from ACL surgery, struggled early in 2024 but had a strong second half, batting .304/.390/.508 and contributing to the Dodgers’ National League West title.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds is skeptical about the appeal of such a trade package to Seattle.
“Gavin Lux might serve as a decent platoon option alongside Moore at second base,” Deeds noted. “But even pairing Lux with a young starter like Landon Knack doesn’t seem likely to convince the Mariners to trade Castillo.”
Knack, who posted a 3-5 record with a 3.65 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP during the regular season, had a mixed postseason performance, particularly in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, where he allowed five of the Mets’ seven runs while pitching in relief.
While both Lux and Knack had strong seasons, their inclusion in a trade package doesn’t seem sufficient to meet Seattle’s steep asking price for Castillo. As a result, Deeds sees the Dodgers as long shots in the pursuit of the Mariners’ ace.
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