Seattle Mariners get steal with Luis Castillo extension

The Seattle Mariners landed another top of the rotation arm in Luis Castillo at the trade deadline. He is not going anywhere anytime soon.

It did not take long for the Mariners to decide that Castillo would be a long term part of their future. According to Jeff Passan, Castillo and the Mariners have agreed to a five year extension worth $108 million. A vesting option for a sixth year would add another $25 million to that total.

Luis Castillo gives Seattle Mariners formidable rotation moving forward

The Mariners also have some protection in this deal. Passan further reported that if Castillo has surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow and is sidelined for 130 or more days, the Mariners will get a $5 million team option for 2028. This way, they will still have Castillo’s services for the expected time frame.

Castillo has taken a step forward this season. While he was always viewed as one of the better starters in the game, he has emerged as a true ace this season. He has posted a 2.85 ERA and a 1.079 WHiP over his 139 innings between the Reds and Mariners, striking out 154 batters with 41 walks. It is understandable as to why he was so coveted at the trade deadline.

At the same time, Castillo would have been widely coveted in free agency during the 2023-24 offseason. If he posted a season similar to this one next year, he would have easily been able to surpass the amount he received in this extension.

The Mariners now have a formidable rotation for the next few years. Castillo joins Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby as being under team control for the next four years. Matt Brash, if he returns to the rotation, would add another dynamic arm to that group. The Mariners could be a force for years to come.

Luis Castillo is not going anywhere anytime soon. The Seattle Mariners have locked him up with a five year extension worth $108 million.