Could Luis Castillo Bridge the Gap for a Depleted Red Sox Rotation?

With shortstop and second base unsettled due to injuries and inconsistent performance, the Boston Red Sox are looking to shore up the middle of their infield. Staying up the middle, they could also look to add behind the plate and on the mound, particularly adding depth to a depleted rotation.

One option to bridge that gap, who's been on the market, is Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com is reporting that the Mariners are willing to eat part of Castillo's contract to help facilitate a deal.

Castillo, 33, has had a down year, posting a 4.85 ERA (4.37 FIP) with a 12.9% strikeout-minus-walk rate across 94 2/3 innings. This comes after seven consecutive seasons of sub-4 FIPs and five straight seasons of a K-BB north of 15%. Despite all that success, a down 2026, an impending lockout, and a $24+ million salary for the next two years make him a little less attractive on the open market. He also has a vesting option for 2028 that locks in if he reaches the 180 IP mark in 2027. It's not clear if that number gets prorated based on a lockout/shortened season.

Do you think the Red Sox should make a move for the southpaw? Join the conversation in the comments!