As the MLB offseason kicks into high gear, two teams with clear playoff aspirations — the Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies — may be on the verge of making a trade that could benefit both sides. The Mariners, looking to bolster their offense, and the Phillies, in need of pitching help, are both facing roster challenges that could lead them to the trade market. Could a deal between these two teams, involving Luis Castillo and Alec Bohm, be the move that sets them both on the path to contention in 2025?
Seattle Mariners: Offensive Needs and the Trade Market
The Mariners have been in a position to contend in recent years, yet their offense continues to fall short. Despite boasting a solid pitching staff, Seattle’s lack of offensive firepower, especially at third base, has hindered their playoff push. Last season, third base production was one of their biggest struggles. Josh Rojas, who was the primary option at the position, posted a .213 batting average with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs. This underwhelming performance led the Mariners to non-tender Rojas, leaving a hole at the hot corner.
Seattle has about $16 million in payroll flexibility this offseason, which could allow them to address several areas of need. Adding a consistent bat at third base is at the top of the list, and Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies could be a perfect fit. The 28-year-old Bohm may not be a gold-glove caliber defender at third (though he made significant strides defensively in 2024), but his bat would be an immediate upgrade for the Mariners. Bohm hit 44 doubles and drove in 97 RBIs last season, posting a 3.5 fWAR and a 115 wRC+, which would provide much-needed stability to Seattle’s lineup, especially after leading the majors in strikeouts in 2024.
Philadelphia Phillies: Pitching and Payroll Flexibility
On the other side of the trade equation, the Phillies are actively searching for pitching. After another successful postseason run in 2024, the Phillies are poised to make a deeper playoff push in 2025, but their rotation could use some reinforcements. This puts the Mariners’ starting pitching depth in play.
Luis Castillo, Seattle’s ace, has been a reliable starter with a 3.64 ERA in 2024, but his strikeout rate has dipped slightly, and he is slated to earn $24.15 million annually over the next three years. While Castillo remains an effective pitcher, the Mariners may be willing to move him to free up payroll for a more potent offense. Given the Phillies’ need for starting pitching, Castillo would immediately slot into the top of their rotation, potentially making them even more formidable in a division where pitching depth is crucial.
The Proposed Trade: A Win-Win?
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, a potential trade could send Castillo to the Phillies in exchange for Alec Bohm. While it’s not a fully fleshed-out deal, this potential swap makes a lot of sense for both sides. For the Mariners, Bohm offers a more consistent bat at third base, which could help balance their offense and bring more stability to the lineup. For the Phillies, Castillo would provide the pitching depth they desperately need, solidifying a rotation that already includes the likes of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
Both teams are looking to contend and have the resources to make this type of deal. The Mariners would likely have to be cautious about giving up Castillo, given his status as their ace, but the prospect of adding a power hitter like Bohm could tip the scales. Meanwhile, the Phillies would be taking on significant salary by acquiring Castillo, but his ability to help win now — especially with a deep postseason run in mind — could justify the cost.
Will It Happen?
Though the deal is speculative at this point, it’s an intriguing possibility that could go down during the upcoming Winter Meetings. Castillo’s age (32 by Opening Day) and salary make him a more complex trade piece, but if Seattle is truly committed to filling its offensive void, this trade could be the answer. Bohm, on the other hand, is a 28-year-old with the potential to improve even further and provide more thump in Seattle’s lineup.
For both the Mariners and Phillies, this potential trade represents a calculated move to strengthen their respective teams as they push for a title. Whether or not it materializes remains to be seen, but the offseason just got a lot more interesting with these two teams in the mix.
Will we see a trade between the Mariners and Phillies this winter? Time will tell, but one thing is clear: both teams are on the hunt for the right pieces to make their championship aspirations a reality.
