REPORT: Yankees To Acquire $108M Mariners’ Ace In Shocking Trade To Replace Gerrit Cole With Mariners Willing To Trade

The New York Yankees will be without Gerrit Cole this season after he underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Additionally, Luis Gil is expected to miss the start of the season due to a lat strain.

In the offseason, the Yankees signed Max Fried but dealt Nestor Cortes to the Milwaukee Brewers. With their rotation in need of reinforcements, TWSN projected that New York could pursue a trade for Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo.

“Castillo has delivered two strong seasons with the Mariners and could help stabilize the Yankees’ rotation until Cole returns,” TWSN noted.

His most significant asset would be his ability to log innings. Castillo inked a five-year, $108 million contract in 2023, which includes a vesting option for 2028 if he reaches 180 innings pitched in 2027. Over the past three seasons, he has posted a 3.34 ERA, making 88 starts and striking out 561 batters.

A three-time All-Star, Castillo placed fifth in AL Cy Young voting in 2023. Given Seattle’s depth in pitching, they might consider dealing Castillo for offensive talent. The Yankees could leverage their farm system to acquire him.

If acquired, Castillo would join Fried in the rotation, providing much-needed stability while Gil recovers. Once fully healthy, the Yankees could feature a formidable trio of Fried, Gil, and Castillo at the top of their rotation.