4 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Trade grades from the Athletic are a D and C+. Not exactly glowing write-ups for us.

The absolute last thing that matters.

Bannister liked a tweet about Castillo using his change up less this year and bringing it back into the fold, so the Sox obviously see something with sequencing they think they can fix.

4 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

I think we should all reset and recognize that this is basically a one year rental, the end of this season plus whatever we get next season. He isn’t making that 180 innings next season unless baseball miraculously agrees on a CBA before the season. He isn’t here to be the top of the rotation starter, he is here to help this young staff cover innings and get this team to the finish line without needing a starter or having to watch Schultz like a hawk. It’s not a GREAT move but it’s a good move if they are truly not done and continue to add to C and RP

The Trade Deadline: If you buy you pay, no Blue light Specials.

Maybe the Sox see something they can fix. The problem is, it has to be immediate. At least Sir Anthony is gone. He ruined my day a few times.

I will reserve judgment until Getz is done but this feels like a meh prospect hugging move to me. A first place team typically doesn’t trade for reclamation projects. Getz knew what prospects he was comfortable trading, asked around to see what he could get, and took the best offer. Castillo still throws hard and has a s deceptive wind up, so maybe Bannister and company can do something with that.

This also means 4 rotation spots for 2027 are filled with a backlog of Shane Smith, Hagen, Sandlin, Schultz, McDougal, Thorpe and Adams for #5. I wonder if we move any of them.

2 hours ago, CaliSoxFanViaSWside said:

We weren't ever going to get our 1st choice. My guess would've been something where most fans initial reaction is unhappiness.

Unfortunately it's much harder to reach upside in a 33-34 year old past his prime guy than it is in young players. And since the move requires immediately results the Sox don't have the luxury of patience. May need Bannister , Bove , the Pope and the Wizard to combine their skills.

My first choice was Robbie Ray so until I see the return on him I am going to disagree with you.

I dont know what this move does but Castillo has a good resume. He wont be overwhelmed and hopefully can stabilize things.

They didnt move anything of worth..

They took on money.

All are positive signs for me.

8 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

The absolute last thing that matters.

Bannister liked a tweet about Castillo using his change up less this year and bringing it back into the fold, so the Sox obviously see something with sequencing they think they can fix.

I posted the trade grades just as a point reference so that people who don’t like this trade on paper aren’t viewed as being unfairly negative. Ultimately instant trades mean nothing but they do reconfirm some of the major concerns here.

Ultimately, there are two reasons to believe Castillo could rebound: 1) his slider has fallen off dramatically this year in terms of whiff rate and perhaps the Sox have a simple adjustment in mind to get that back on track. 2) Per Fegan, the Sox believe they have the ability to teach/implement changeups and Castillo getting his back to even 2021 form & usage would be a godsend for him vs. lefties.

I hope Bannister has a blueprint in mind and ready to be implemented day 1. I want to look like a jackass and be wrong about this trade. Still think it’s a poorly negotiated trade even if you think there are fixes because the Mariners had legit zero leverage here, but I’ll get over that if Castillo can be productive.

3 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

I posted the trade grades just as a point reference so that people who don’t like this trade on paper aren’t viewed as being unfairly negative. Ultimately instant trades mean nothing but they do reconfirm some of the major concerns here.

Ultimately, there are two reasons to believe Castillo could rebound: 1) his slider has fallen off dramatically this year in terms of whiff rate and perhaps the Sox have a simple adjustment in mind to get that back on track. 2) Per Fegan, the Sox believe they have the ability to teach/implement changeups and Castillo getting his back to even 2021 form & usage would be a godsend for him vs. lefties.

I hope Bannister has a blueprint in mind and ready to be implemented day 1. I want to look like a jackass and be wrong about this trade. Still think it’s a poorly negotiated trade even if you think there are fixes because the Mariners had legit zero leverage here, but I’ll get over that if Castillo can be productive.

Someone that I trust and read on this very website said this recently “As such, one rotation upgrade is an absolute must and two is probably ideal if we’re really going for it. We should have cash to burn this offseason and adding a pricey free agent SP should the priority.” and honestly I think he is on to something

17 minutes ago, striker said:

I will reserve judgment until Getz is done but this feels like a meh prospect hugging move to me. A first place team typically doesn’t trade for reclamation projects. Getz knew what prospects he was comfortable trading, asked around to see what he could get, and took the best offer. Castillo still throws hard and has a s deceptive wind up, so maybe Bannister and company can do something with that.

This also means 4 rotation spots for 2027 are filled with a backlog of Shane Smith, Hagen, Sandlin, Schultz, McDougal, Thorpe and Adams for #5. I wonder if we move any of them.

Your 2026 rotation right now is:

1. Burke

2. Martin

3. Castillo

4. Kay*

5. Schultz*/McDougal/H. Smith/S. Smith/Sandlin/Thorpe/Adams

They’ll definitely need to add someone of impact because that’s simply not a championship caliber rotation without a young guy breaking through.

2 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

Someone that I trust and read on this very website said this recently “As such, one rotation upgrade is an absolute must and two is probably ideal if we’re really going for it. We should have cash to burn this offseason and adding a pricey free agent SP should the priority.” and honestly I think he is on to something

I just hope that second rotation upgrade is coming!

Also, I will relent further whining for now. Had to get it out of my system but now will cheer on Castillo and hope for the best.

I assume they see something they can fix in Castillo, but the drop off at age 33 is concerning. It’s not like he’s 28 and having a random bad year. Hope we add another SP, but if this is our big move, it’s sort of disappointing.

29 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

The absolute last thing that matters.

Bannister liked a tweet about Castillo using his change up less this year and bringing it back into the fold, so the Sox obviously see something with sequencing they think they can fix.

He hasn't had a good change up in 4 years.

The problem isn't even with giving a castillo a whirl, it's that the Sox got beat up on the value side of this trade.

11 minutes ago, bighurt574 said:

I assume they see something they can fix in Castillo, but the drop off at age 33 is concerning. It’s not like he’s 28 and having a random bad year. Hope we add another SP, but if this is our big move, it’s sort of disappointing.

Yep, if Castillo was 28 I would feel a lot better about this trade. I know it’s cliche but this does feel a bit like shades of the Shields trade. Not Smith becoming Tatis Jr. but Castillo being old and falling apart like Shields.

1 minute ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Yep, if Castillo was 28 I would feel a lot better about this trade. I know it’s cliche but this does feel a bit like shades of the Shields trade. Not Smith becoming Tatis Jr. but Castillo being old and falling apart like Shields.

As odd as it sounds, Smith is probably more of a prospect at time of trade than Tatis. I hate trading guys trending up with limited track records because the outcome bars are so wide. While it's true smith could quickly become a nothing burger, he's also yet to show any inkling of struggle in professional baseball.

Looks like Castillo should pitch at some point during the Red Sox series. My guess is it will be him on Tuesday followed by Martin & then Burke. I’m going to Wednesday game so looks like I’ll miss his start.

“Coop’ll fix him”

Seems like they gave up actual value to take on an underwater contract. Not a fan of this deal, but Castillo could certainly change my mind.

I hope they see something they can fix easily.

9 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Looks like Castillo should pitch at some point during the Red Sox series. My guess is it will be him on Tuesday followed by Martin & then Burke. I’m going to Wednesday game so looks like I’ll miss his start.

I’m hoping they work with him a couple of side sessions and hold him off until Cleveland.

After digesting the views on this thread and thinking about Castillo’s contract versus what they gave up for him and what may happen in 2027, I’m indifferent on this move.

The cash they are spending may not make sense if they are tapped out after this. They should have more to spend but we will see.

I want to see how Castillo performs because he has had some positive starts this year despite his high ERA and getting lit up in other outings.

I don’t like giving up Boston Smith, but he is 23, they do have some catchers when Teel is healthy and can still make a move for a catcher at the deadline. Trading Dominguez after signing him this offseason and not having him be completely effective as a closer is fine with me.

I want to see the larger picture when Getz is finished at this deadline, see what other teams gave up for pitching and see where they are at by the end of the year before I judge this trade even further.

Edited 24 minutes ago24 min by The Beast

4 minutes ago, hi8is said:

I’m hoping they work with him a couple of side sessions and hold him off until Cleveland.

The Sox will be paying him around $750,000 per start through next season so they need to get their money’s worth.

6 minutes ago, The Beast said:

After digesting the views on this thread and thinking about Castillo’s contract versus what they gave up for him and what may happen in 2027, I’m indifferent on this move.

The cash they are spending may not make sense if they are tapped out after this. They should have more to spend but we will see.

I want to see how Castillo performs because he has had some positive starts this year despite his high ERA and getting lit up in other outings.

I don’t like giving up Boston Smith, but he is 23, they do have some catchers when Teel is healthy and can still make a move for a catcher at the deadline. Trading Dominguez after signing him this offseason and not having him be completely effective as a closer is fine with me.

I want to see the larger picture when Getz is finished at this deadline, see what other teams gave up for pitching and see where they are at by the end of the year before I judge this trade even further.

It also seems debatable on whether Smith is an actual catcher or not.

51 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

Someone that I trust and read on this very website said this recently “As such, one rotation upgrade is an absolute must and two is probably ideal if we’re really going for it. We should have cash to burn this offseason and adding a pricey free agent SP should the priority.” and honestly I think he is on to something

Presently the Sox don't have to send anyone down with Castillo added to the team. Another move for a SP could be in the works. Fedde could be used as a spot starter or an opener to give the others a blow. Schweitzer/Murphy/Richards one of them is probably the odd man or they shut Noah down for the season.

4 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

It also seems debatable on whether Smith is an actual catcher or not.

Yes! He's a very recent convert to the position. We know the Sox put a high value on defense and pitch calling. They probably viweed him as a DH/1st baseman. If they plan on signing on Mune long term, not sure what his pathway is. Good teams trade promising prospects who don't have a pathway.

With such a young team, the post season can be overwhelming . just want someone who's been there maybe.