The San Francisco Giants rotation took a hit this offseason when two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell opted out of his deal and signed with National League West rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite being limited to 20 starts last year due to an adductor strain and groin injury, Snell posted a 3.12 ERA, 124 ERA+, and 2.43 FIP while striking out 145 batters in 104 innings. He also tossed a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds and became the first player in MLB history to allow 25 or fewer hits while striking out 80 batters over a ten-game stretch.
To help fill the void left by Snell, the Giants turned to future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, signing him to a one-year, $15 million deal. The former MVP and three-time Cy Young winner is coming off an injury-plagued year with the Houston Astros, where he made 17 starts and posted a 5.48 ERA. The Giants are hoping the 42-year-old still has something left in the tank.
However, according to an MLB insider, the Giants also attempted to acquire a three-time All-Star pitcher to bolster their rotation.
San Franciso Giants reportedly tried to trade for Seattle Mariners pitcher
San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reports the Giants spent two weeks negotiating with the Seattle Mariners about a potential trade for starter Luis Castillo. A deal never materialized, though, as the Mariners demanded top prospect Bryce Eldridge in return.
Slusser wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants pursue Castillo again.
“Castillo remains in Seattle’s rotation, but he might be a trade target again. He has two more years and $48 million left on his contract, the Mariners have a ton of starters and they wouldn’t mind trimming some payroll,” Slusser reports.
The Giants’ rotation will feature Verlander alongside Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, and Kyle Harrison. While it’s already a strong rotation on paper, adding Castillo could elevate it to elite status.
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