As the Atlanta Braves' decision to let Max Fried continues to age poorly, the team must turn its attention to possible trade deadline answers. Even if Spencer Strider is able to stay healthy and return to form, the team is missing one viable postseason option. Chris Sale and Strider as the clear primary options, with Spencer Schwellenbach a wildcard after an incredible start. With this in mind, it would be a surprise not to see the team add at least one established starter.
One potential fit is Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo. When healthy, the right-hander has been a consistent force since the 2019 season. While there is no replacing Max Fried, having a first three of Sale, Strider, and Castillo is as solid a potential postseason punch as any team can offer. However, it seems hopes of this trio are already lost with the Mariners becoming one of the surprise stories of the early MLB season.
Seattle's Hot Start Likely Rules Out the Perfect Braves' Trade Deadline Target
Seattle sits atop the American League West, finding a surprisingly dominating offense. While Castillo is an important piece of the team's hot start, it is the lineup that has defined their early dominance. Barring a collapse, the team's surprise contention makes it next to impossible for the team to decide to part ways with the starter. It is another frustrating reminder of how rare it is to find a consistent top-of-the-rotation arm, and what a mistake Atlanta made letting Fried walk away.
For the Mariners, this was the team they were expected to be a year ago after the emergence of a talented young core. It's a fun story that simply has an unfortunate outcome for Atlanta's selfish purposes.
Still, there are a number of starting pitchers expected to be available, and the Braves should closely monitor the trade market, needing not only help in the rotation but possible bullpen and outfield additions as well. Atlanta has added to this sense of urgency by still not having a winning record yet this season after starting 0-7, getting swept by the Dodgers and Padres in the team's opening series.
The Mariners remain a team to keep an eye on based not only on Luis Castillo but intriguing bullpen fits as well. If Seattle falters in the next two months, perhaps the Braves could revisit the idea of adding one of the most consistently productive starters in Castillo.