Mariners Prioritizing One Player Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Seattle Mariners are an interesting team to watch as the MLB trade deadline approaches in less than a week. Occupying the second American League Wild Card spot, the Mariners could use all the help that they can get to lock down their position with help from the trade market.

Though general manager Jerry Dipoto could go in different directions, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mariners have their sights set on a specific player. The prioritized individual in question is none other than Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo.

Mariners Trade Rumors

Even though Rosenthal believes that the Mariners have the pieces to pull off a Juan Soto blockbuster, he says that the organization's main priority is pitching. Seattle currently owns the fifth-best ERA (3.58) in the Majors, however, playoff-bound teams are always looking to add another legitimate arm.

Castillo is one of the most highly touted available pitchers ahead of this year's deadline. The 29-year-old hurler has pitched well despite how bad the Cincinnati Reds have been, going 4-4 in 14 starts with a career-best 2.86 ERA and 1.071 WHIP. He also earned his second All-Star appearance this year.

While there will be competition for Castillo's services, the Mariners aren't worried. MLB.com listed Seattle as having the second-best prospect pool ahead of the 2022 campaign. Even though names like Julio Rodríguez and George Kirby have become Major-League players since then, there still isn't a shortage of prospects that should entice the Reds.

Mariners fans won't have to wait too long to find out if their club can land the two-time MLB All-Star. This year's trade deadline takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. ET.

Mariners World Series Odds

Landing a starting pitcher like Castillo would have a positive impact on the Mariners' 2022 World Series odds. For now, you can find Seattle available at +4000 odds (T-No. 10) to go on a championship run this fall, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.