Would the Seattle Mariners consider trading away one of their top starters at some point during this season?
A recent MLB mock trade idea, floated by Sports Illustrated, features the Atlanta Braves making a big-time splash for a starter, which every fan knows the team could use either before the season or at some point during the season. Unfortunately for the Braves’ *now* backup catcher Sean Murphy, he is the subject that gets moved in the hypothetical deal that would land Mariners’ starter Luis Castillo in a Braves uniform.
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Braves Trade Prediction Lands 3X All-Star Luis Castillo
GettySeattle pitcher Luis Castillo is the target of a proposed trade sending New York Mets prospects Ronny Mauricio and Nolan McLean.
Luis Castillo has been one of the best, most consistent starters in MLB over the past four seasons. He’s a three-time All-Star and is known for being able to take the ball every fifth day without issue or injury.
Here is Sports Illustrated’s Duke Demmings proposed mock trade idea for the Braves to land Luis Castillo:
“Braves receive: SP Luis Castillo
Seattle Mariners receive: C Sean Murphy, pitching prospect Owen Murphy”
With the recent news of Jurickson Profar’s 162-game suspension, which the MLBPA is appealing, the Braves might have some more financial flexibility if Profar does not earn a salary in 2026.
Either way, Castillo would be a huge addition for the Braves.
In the last three seasons, Castillo has made 30+ starts, pitched in 175+ innings, and posted an ERA of 3.70 or lower in all three campaigns since 2023. His 2025 stats? 3.54 ERA over 180.2 innings and 162 strikeouts.
The Braves, dealing with many injuries in the starting rotation has opened the door for Atlanta to be a top trade destination for all the starters on the market. Will Alex Anthopoulos actually make a blockbuster deal like this? He could, but it also might cost more than one pitching prospect and an aging catcher just to back up the best catcher in MLB, Cal Raleigh.
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Why Sean Murphy Continues to be Featured in Mock Trades
Sean Murphy seems to be the name that keeps popping up in these MLB mock trades, and is that for right reason?
The Braves might be looking to move off Murphy’s six-year, $73 million contract, but it might be difficult considering he hasn’t been on the field much in the last two seasons. Since 2024, Murphy has failed to appear in 100 games in both seasons. He’s also failed to hit above .200 in back-to-back seasons.
Murphy missed the end of the 2025 season due to a hip injury and will miss the start of the 2026 season as he continues to rehab.
A deal like this is unlikely before the 2026 season, but Murphy might continue to be the subject of trade rumors as the season progresses, especially if he performs at a good enough level that there will be suitors.
Some potential fits across MLB for Murphy include the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, and San Diego Padres.
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