The Mets made a move to help bolster their bullpen, trading cash considerations to the Diamondbacks in exchange for left-handed pitcher José Castillo. Castillo, who appeared in five games this season for Arizona, is the current owner of a 11.37 ERA across six and a third innings of work.
Castillo made his big league debut in 2018 for the Padres, where he was an effective reliever, appearing in 37 games with a 3.29 ERA, a 2.64 FIP, and a whip under one. Since then, injuries have limited him to just eight MLB appearances, with a left flexor strain, a middle finger injury, and Tommy John Surgery saw him miss significant time. In 2023 and 2024, Castillo worked his way back from injury mostly in the minor leagues. Last season, he put up a 3.75 ERA across two levels in the minors, averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings while appearing in 24 games.
The Mets are currently operating with just one left-hander in their major league bullpen – Génesis Cabrera – after losing both Danny Young and A.J. Minter to season ending surgeries. With Brooks Raley’s return not probable until the summer, Castillo gives the Mets more options when assembling a relief corps.