On May 15, the organization announced that they had added a former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher and designated another reliever for assignment.
“We acquired LHP Jose Castillo from Arizona for monetary considerations. In a matching move, RHP Kevin Herget has been designated for assignment,” the team said on X.
Mets Fill Bullpen Need with Jose Castillo
The move will provide some depth to the bullpen before the team’s Subway Series matchup in the Bronx begins on Friday.
According to Phillip Martinez of SNY, the 6-foot-6 Castillo has appeared in 45 major league games over five seasons, the most of which have been with the San Diego Padres. He sustained an ACL injury that required him to miss the 2024 season, and he struggled on his return to the mound this year.
“Castillo, 29, had appeared in five games for the Diamondbacks this season, pitching to an 11.37 ERA across 6.1 innings,” Martinez pointed out. “His last appearance was on May 11 against the Dodgers, when he allowed three runs in two innings.” Castillo was scheduled for assignment the next day.”
The trade was not entirely unexpected, as SNY’s Andy Martino reported earlier this month that the team was looking for a lefty out of the Bullpen
“Yes, my understanding is that the Mets are looking to trade for lefty bullpen help after the injuries to A.J. Minter (lat strain) and Danny Young (elbow),” Martino wrote. “Most estimates have Minter out until September. I’ve heard some cautious optimism that it might be August. Unfortunately, Young appears to be headed for season-ending UCL surgery.
Martino even predicted that the Mets would look for a deal, implying that they would not sign a major name.
“As far as identifying specific trade targets, let’s not worry about that,” he said. “It’s not like we’re discussing Tanner Scott. If the Mets can make a deal, it will be for Pretty Good Lefty Guy (or Righty Guy With Good Splits).
“We’ll find out his name when he arrives.”
Mets Prepare for Subway Series.
The Castillo deal adds drama to the Mets’ most anticipated series of the young season, as they travel to the Bronx to face the Yankees. The game will be a homecoming for Juan Soto, who helped the Yankees win the World Series last season before leaving for Queens in free agency and signing a $765 million contract.
“It was a difficult decision. Soto told Jon Heyman of the New York Post that despite being the top team, the Yankees were unable to achieve their goals. “But, in the end of the day, things work because they should. I trust what we’ve done. And let’s see what happens.”
Soto said he is still pleased with the choice, especially given the Mets’ good start.
“No, no. “I made a decision, and I’m glad I did,” Soto explained. “You look around.” We have an incredible crew. And it will be a strong team for a long time.”
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