MLB Weekly Digest August 1st Edition: Mariners Acquire Castillo

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The prior week in MLB was about a team in the American League making a move to bolster their rotation, another team acquiring an outfielder, and a starting pitcher in the National League is closing in on a multi-year extension.

Seattle Mariners Acquire Starting Pitcher Luis Castillo from Cincinnati Reds for Four Prospects

Several days ago, the Seattle Mariners made a huge splash before the trade deadline as they bolstered their starting rotation.

The Mariners acquired starting pitcher Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds for four prospects.

The Mariners sent infielders Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, and right-handed pitchers Andrew Moore and Levi Stoudt to the Reds for Castillo.

Adding another ace.

We’ve acquired All-Star RHP Luis Castillo from the Reds in exchange for IF Noelvi Marte, IF Edwin Arroyo, RHP Levi Stoudt and RHP Andrew Moore.

📰 https://t.co/TEwvYUG1uP pic.twitter.com/6H2KXbbpFc

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 30, 2022

According to MLB Pipeline, Marte, Arroyo, and Stoudt are three of the five best prospects in the Mariners farm system.

Return the #Reds are reportedly getting from the #Mariners for Luis Castillo:
SS Noelvi Marte (MLB No. 18 prospect, SEA 1)
SS Edwin Arroyo (MLB No. 93, SEA 3)
RHP Levi Stoudt (SEA 5)
RHP Andrew Moore

More on the prospects: https://t.co/Iw5G4r369G pic.twitter.com/2iOzZfpjDD

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 30, 2022

The Mariners gave up plenty to get Castillo, but you must swing for the fences when you have not made the playoffs since 2001.

The Mariners have not been to the playoffs since 2001 — the longest of the 4 major sport leagues. By fronting this Castillo trade with SS Noelvi Marte, among top prospects in the game, Seattle going for it.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 30, 2022

The high price tag for Castillo is warranted as he was selected as an All-Star for the second time in his career this year, is under club control for this season and next, and is having a terrific 2022 season.

The right-hander has posted a 2.86 ERA in 85 innings pitched (14 games) with 90 strikeouts, 28 walks, seven home runs yielded, a 160 ERA+, 3.20 FIP, and 1.07 WHIP.

Castillo gives the Mariners a deadly trio in their starting rotation along with Robbie Ray and Logan Gilbert, especially if they make the postseason.

They currently occupy the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

Several teams tried to acquire Castillo, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

A dozen teams made their bid for Luis Castillo, per sources, but Seattle’s package was the best. The Yankees were “close,” according to someone familiar with the talks, but the Mariners’ offer won out in the end.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2022

The New York Yankees were close, but the Reds preferred the offer from the Mariners.

It’s unknown if the Mariners will make the postseason but adding a pitcher like Castillo certainly increases their chances.

New York Yankees Acquire Outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals

The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals.

Per a team announcement, they sent the Royals three pitching prospects in right-handed pitchers Chandler Champlain, Beck Way, and left-handed pitcher T.J. Sikkema.

The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired OF Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor leaguers RHP Chandler Champlain, LHP T.J. Sikkema and RHP Beck Way.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 28, 2022

Benintendi, a free agent after the season, had a solid 2022 season with the Royals.

The outfielder posted a .316 batting average, a .384 on-base percentage, and .777 OPS in 93 games with 41 runs scored, 14 doubles, two triples, three home runs, 40 RBIs, and four stolen bases.

Benintendi is a quality hitter who makes consistent contact, which is an attribute that could help the Yankees in the postseason.

The acquisition of Benintendi is not flashy, but it was brilliant by the Yankees.

San Diego Padres Nearing Multi-Year with Starting Pitcher Joe Musgrove

The San Diego Padres and starting pitcher Joe Musgrove are close to a contract extension, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Joe Musgrove and the Padres are close to a deal. Deal expected to be 5 years for about $100M.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2022

Once it becomes official, the deal will be worth $100 million over five years, per Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

An agreement is close, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. Expected terms are five years and $100 million. https://t.co/7TCbEiyJMB

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) July 30, 2022

Musgrove was scheduled to become a free agent this winter and would have been one of the better starting pitchers available.

The Padres acquired Musgrove as part of a three-team trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets in January 2021.

He has blossomed into the ace of the Padres’ rotation and was selected as an All-Star for the first time this season.

The right-hander has posted a 2.63 ERA in 109 1/3 innings pitched (17 starts) with 106 strikeouts, 25 walks issued, 10 home runs allowed, a 144 ERA+, 3.22 FIP, and a 0.98 WHIP this season with the Padres.

Musgrove has been phenomenal in his nearly two years with the Padres, and the deal is excellent for both sides.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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