After trading Kendall Graveman in a deal that infuriated the Seattle Mariners‘ locker room, general manager Jerry Dipoto swore that trade was not what it looked like. There were other moving parts he said, where he was determined to improve the roster despite a trade that looked as though he was waving the white flag. He made a move to improve the back of the rotation by adding Tyler Anderson, but there were other deals still to happen.
The next trade came down on Thursday. The Mariners have acquired Diego Castillo from the Rays, sending JT Chargois and prospect Austin Shenton to Tampa Bay.
Rays acquiring RHP JT Chargois and third-base prospect Austin Shenton from Mariners for Diego Castillo, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021
Seattle Mariners get their closer in Diego Castillo
Castillo provides a high octane arm with more team control than Graveman, especially as he is not yet eligible for arbitration. Despite that, he had been one of the better relievers in the Rays’ bullpen, notching 14 saves as he posted a 2.72 ERA and a 0.991 WHiP over his 36.1 innings, striking out 49 batters with just ten walks.
Chargois had seemingly found a home with the Mariners. He had been let go by the Twins and Dodgers, spending 2020 in Japan before signing in Seattle. That season overseas did wonders, as he posted a 3.00 ERA and a 0.967 WHiP over his 30 innings, striking out 29 batters with six walks.
Shenton was not considered to be a top prospect for the Mariners. While he is listed as a third baseman, his defensive shortcomings made him a likely first baseman/designated hitter type. He has a nice, compact swing with some pop, but he makes contact and has a strong work ethic. It is entirely possible that Shenton ends up becoming a better player than his tools would indicate.
This may not be the end of the moves for the Mariners. Castillo takes care of a void in the bullpen since Graveman had been dealt, but there are other holes on the roster. Dipoto is looking to not just get to the postseason this year, but to add pieces that have team control to build a sustainable contender. If the pieces are there, he will find them.
The Seattle Mariners have found their closer in Diego Castillo. Chances are, the Mariners are not done making moves to improve the roster.