Here we are, back again. MLB insider Jon Morosi is reporting that the Orioles have been in contact with Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners about All Star pitcher Luis Castillo, as recently as this weekend.

Now yes, this is right on the heels of Morosi coming out and saying that the Orioles are likely done adding to their pitching staff after the Charlie Morton signing last week.

However, there were real rumors about Castillo to the Orioles as a possibility earlier this winter so it’s reasonable to think that the two sides have been in recent contact about a potential deal.

In the TV hit, Morosi suggests that the Mariners are searching for an impact hitter to add to their lineup. In theory, Morosi thinks that a young Orioles’ bat would be heading back to Seattle in any hypothetical trade here, which makes sense in a lot of ways.

The biggest roadblock here would seem to be Castillo’s remaining contract. The righty is still due $72 million over the next three years.

With the Orioles having added both Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano for a combined $30 million in 2025, it’s fair to wonder if Mike Elias is willing to tack on an additional $21 million to the O’s payroll next year.

Orioles reportedly linked to the Mariners and righty Luis Castillo

Fans have been grumbling about the O’s unwillingness to spend, but they’re on pace to be around $160 million in terms of their CBT figure in 2025.

That’s a major increase from their 2024 mark of $127 million, and significantly higher than the $89 million they spent in 2023.

If the Orioles were to add Castillo and 100% of his salary, it would likely push them past $180 million, which would be the highest payroll figure in recent memory.

David Rubenstein has already commented about being willing to give Elias the resources he needs to increase the budget where necessary to make meaningful additions to the roster.

“The Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners have talked before and in recent days about a potential [Luis] Castillo trade to Baltimore…”

– @jonmorosi on #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/nvIf3sFIDc

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 6, 2025

Castillo would certainly help the Orioles’ rotation in 2025, if Baltimore could find a way to swing a trade. Even though Walltimore 2.0 is being constructed, Camden Yards doesn’t play like a bandbox like it used to.

That’d be good news for Castillo, who would be coming from the most pitcher-friendly ballpark in the majors.

One additional thing that might hold a trade back is that Castillo does have a full no-trade clause in his contract. He’d have to approve a deal in order for something to get done.

One would think that a seemingly lateral-ish move, from contender to contender, would be appealing in some circumstances.

But each player has their own unique motivations and determining factors when it comes to who they want to play for and where they want to live.

Castillo is a very good pitcher, and he’d certainly make the Orioles better. We’ll see if Elias wants to offer up what will certainly be a significant trade package to acquire him.