Chicago White Sox trade deadline move named 'surprisingly significant'

One of the trades that Chicago made was for three-time All-Star starting pitcher Luis Castillo. While he does have a good resume, Castillo is having a dismal season this year, and currently is 3-9 with a 5.06 ERA.

Starting pitching remains a concern for the White Sox, and adding a pitcher with an ERA over 5.00 with another year on his contract was a huge question mark for many.

Indeed, MLB.com named the Castillo trade one of the “significant surprises” of the deadline:

“With six healthy starters and top pitching prospect Kade Anderson waiting in the wings, the Mariners were prime candidates to trade a starter. Surprisingly, they moved Luis Castillo, who was having a career-worst year with a 5.06 ERA and 78 ERA+, without having to eat a single cent of his contract ($24.2 million salary through next season, plus a $25 million vesting option for 2028).

“Chicago offset some costs by sending back reliever Seranthony Domínguez ($10 million owed next year), but the White Sox are still taking on a massive financial risk. They gain a proven veteran leader, but one who hasn’t pitched significantly above league average in years.”

On the one hand, the White Sox could really use the leadership that Castillo brings. Additionally, if he can return to All-Star form, he could be a major piece for them in the next year and a half.

However, he is a financial risk for a team that is cost-conscious, and there is not guarantee that he will return to form on a new team.