The Philadelphia Phillies, aiming to restructure their roster for the upcoming season, are considering trading their All-Star third baseman, Alec Bohm. Bohm, despite a solid regular season performance in 2024, faltered during the Phillies’ short-lived postseason run, making him a potential trade candidate. One intriguing possibility involves a swap with the Seattle Mariners, centered around acquiring star pitcher Luis Castillo. This trade scenario would address key needs for both teams, with the Phillies bolstering their starting rotation and the Mariners gaining a productive third baseman.
Alec Bohm’s 2024 season showcased his offensive capabilities, marked by career-high numbers in OPS (.779), home runs (15), doubles (44), RBIs (97), and runs scored (62). However, his postseason struggles have prompted the Phillies to explore trade options. Luis Castillo, on the other hand, represents a significant upgrade to Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Since joining the Mariners, Castillo has consistently delivered strong performances, boasting a 3.48 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 394 strikeouts in 372 1/3 innings. His addition would likely displace Taijuan Walker, whose high ERA of 7.10 in 2024 raised concerns about his performance relative to his substantial contract.
A proposed trade framework, suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, involves the Phillies receiving Luis Castillo and shortstop prospect Cole Young in exchange for Alec Bohm. This trade holds strategic benefits for both teams. For the Mariners, acquiring Bohm fills a void at third base, providing a proven offensive contributor. The trade also frees up financial resources, allowing them to pursue other roster needs. For the Phillies, landing Castillo addresses their pitching woes, while Young, a highly-ranked prospect within the Mariners’ organization, offers long-term potential. He could potentially even transition to third base, eventually replacing Bohm in the future.
Cole Young, ranked as the Mariners’ second-best prospect by MLB.com, spent the 2024 season honing his skills in Double-A. His performance, while not spectacular, demonstrated a solid foundation with a .271 batting average, a .369 on-base percentage, and a .390 slugging percentage. While these numbers don’t jump off the page, they suggest a player with the potential to develop into a valuable major league contributor. His inclusion in the trade sweetens the deal for the Phillies, providing them with a promising young player to cultivate.
This potential trade underscores the Phillies’ proactive approach to roster construction. They are not content to stand pat after a disappointing playoff exit. They are actively exploring avenues to improve their team, recognizing the need for a stronger starting rotation. Acquiring a pitcher of Castillo’s caliber would significantly enhance their chances of contending in the competitive National League East. The potential cost, however, is parting ways with a young, productive player in Alec Bohm.
The proposed trade involving Bohm, Castillo, and Young offers a compelling narrative for both teams. The Mariners gain a proven offensive player in Bohm, filling a positional need and freeing up financial flexibility. The Phillies, in turn, acquire a front-line starting pitcher in Castillo, addressing a critical weakness. The addition of Young adds a layer of intrigue, offering the Phillies a promising young player with the potential to develop into a future star. Ultimately, the success of this hypothetical trade would hinge on the individual performances of the players involved and how well they integrate into their new teams.
