Before the trade deadline, the Seattle Mariners gave up three of their top five prospects to get star pitcher Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds.
It was a move they needed to make if they wanted to maximize their contention window.
Many proven stars fail to perform in their new teams, because of several reasons.
That hasn’t been the case with Castillo, though: he has pitched like a bonafide ace since landing in Seattle.
He is showing some incredible strikeout talent with his new team.
“Most strikeouts in 1st 3 games with Mariners: 2022 Luis Castillo: 24; 1982 Gaylord Perry: 23; 2005 Félix Hernández: 21; 1993 Chris Bosio: 21,” MLB stats guru Sarah Langs tweeted.
Most strikeouts in 1st 3 games with Mariners:
2022 Luis Castillo: 24
1982 Gaylord Perry: 23
2005 Félix Hernández: 21
1993 Chris Bosio: 21— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 16, 2022
There are some really prominent names on that list, most notably Gaylord Perry and the ‘King’, Felix Hernández.
Castillo Was Just What The Doctor Ordered For The Mariners
Castillo came to Seattle to succeed and to make sure they make the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
Fans are hungry, and so are players.
They all feel this is Seattle’s year to at least make the postseason and compete.
Castillo has a brilliant 2.18 ERA in his first three games with the M’s, covering 20.2 innings.
He has allowed 14 hits and just five earned runs, with six walks and the aforementioned 24 whiffs.
He has been the ace that the Mariners needed to pair with Logan Gilbert and Robbie Ray at the top of the rotation.
Now, Seattle is better equipped for a short postseason series against any foe.
They don’t have the most explosive offense, but as long as young phenom Julio Rodriguez is healthy, they will compete with anybody.
Will 2022 bring more surprises for Mariners fans in addition to making the postseason?
Only time will tell: for now, they will need to seal that ticket to play in October.
Castillo will be of great help.
