Mariners Listening On George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Emerson Hancock, All Of Interest To Cubs

[Matthew Nethercott]

The Seattle Mariners are listening on most of their starting rotation, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Passan reported Saturday afternoon that multiple teams have engaged on right-handed pitcher George Kirby, as well as right-hander Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock.

Kirby, 28, is earning $6.55 million this season after avoiding arbitration and remains under team control through 2028. This season, he's sporting a 20.9% strikeout rate and a 20.9% whiff rate, both of which sit below average, offset by an elite 5.7% walk rate. His 3.33 FIP edges his 3.76 xERA, but quality of contact has crept up (.303 xwOBA, .384 xSLG, 42.0% hard-hit), leaving him reliant on limiting damage in the zone. The 96.6 mph fastball still plays; the swing-and-miss less so.

The Cubs' biggest need at this deadline is pitching. All three of these players would provide Chicago with the quality innings they need.

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