Cubs Could Look To Mariners To Improve Starting Rotation

[Steve Drumwright]

 

With Jameson Taillon now jettisoned and the Chicago Cubs having multiple spots in their starting rotation that need an upgrade, there seems to be a team that they would match up well with.

The Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners, still in contention in the AL West even after dropping three of four vs. the Texas Rangers following Monday's 7-3 loss, are open to trading at least one of the six starters they have in their rotation. The two who are most available are young right-hander Emerson Hancock and veteran right-hander Luis Castillo.

Hancock could be priced higher as he is under club control through 2030 before hitting free agency. Hancock has a 3.73 FIP (3.16 ERA) with a 6.3% walk rate and 23.4% strikeout rate. Castillo, on the other hand, is due a lot of money through next season, about $32.5 million with a vesting option for 2028 at $25 million if he reaches 180 innings in 2027. But the Mariners would be willing to eat some of Castillo's contract in the right deal. Castillo's output has slid from the days when he was an All-Star starter. He has a 4.37 FIP (4.85 ERA) in 19 games, walking 7.2% of hitters and striking out 20.1%.

Seattle would be looking for major-league offense in return. One option the Cubs could part with in a deal for pitching would be right fielder Matt Shaw, who is currently on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right wrist but could be close to returning. There would have to be more than Shaw, perhaps a young hitter such as infielder Pedro Ramirez.

 

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