White Sox’s trade deadline attempt to replicate Guardians looks even worse after latest role shift

If you squirted hard enough, the White Sox’s trade deadline acquisition of Luis Castillo looked a lot like the kind of move the Guardians love to make.

Although Castillo has been one of the most consistent pitchers of the 2020s, this year has been an abject disaster for him, which led to the Mariners putting him on the trade block despite him still having one year remaining on his contract. 

And that trade has gone exactly how everyone expected it, as he recorded a 7.76 ERA in his first seven starts with the White Sox.

Those struggles became too much for the team’s leadership to ignore, as they moved Castillo to the bullpen over the weekend. He’s made two appearances out of the ‘pen since.

The White Sox may have the pitching reinforcements needed to survive Castillo’s struggles, but it’s clear their trade for Castillo is a huge misfire that could have huge financial ramifications for next season. 

The White Sox's trade for Luis Castillo has become a clear deadline misfire

Part of the reason why the White Sox were able to get Castillo for the low, low price of prospect Boston Smith and former Guardians outfielder Nolan Jones is because Castillo is making $24.1 million this season and is going to make the same amount next year. 

That deal seemed like a bit of a bargain when he initially signed his extension, but it’s become an albatross thanks to his struggles. 

Castillo’s struggles followed him to the bullpen, as he allowed three runs in 2 2/3 innings in his first relief appearance in a loss to the Cardinals. He pitched a scoreless inning in relief yesterday in Chicago’s big win over the White Sox. 

That’s the kind of usage teams usually give to Rule 5 picks — not key trade deadline acquisitions. 

Last week general manager Chris Getz admitted the quality of Castillo’s pitches have “definitely gone in the wrong direction,” and it’s hard to believe that’s going to change in the final week of the season. 

The Guardians made the same kind of role change with Slade Cecconi, but that seems like more of a temporary decision given Cecconi still hasn’t hit arbitration. Castillo, on the other hand, is 33 years old and has a hefty price tag. 

Part of the reason why the Guardians have been able to pass the White Sox in the American League Central has been because of the struggles in Chicago’s rotation, which has posted a 5.41 ERA since the start of August. 

Castillo’s spot in the rotation was filled by David Sandlin, who had an okay first turn in the rotation before turning in an absolute stinker against the Tigers on Friday. 

The Guardians are among baseball’s best at helping veteran pitchers turn their careers around, but they tend to dip in the bargain bin while doing so. 

The White Sox didn’t seem to care about Castillo’s price tag when they acquired him at the deadline, and that’s coming back to bite them now. 

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