The Mets and second baseman Luis Castillo have seemed like a good match for a while now. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported today that Castillo nearly signed with the Mets three years ago before the Marlins improved their offer. Additionally, the Mets almost traded for him in November of ’05.
Today I added Castillo to my list of 2008 Free Agents; he ranked 29th. Should Jeff Kent retire, Castillo will compete with Marcus Giles as the best available 2B after this season. Castillo won’t return to the Twins; they have a younger version of him in Alexi Casilla. Actually, Casilla should probably be used at shortstop, but I doubt Castillo returns. I should add that Casilla is going to make a phenomenal fantasy sleeper once he starts – .300+ average, 40+ steals. Just like the Luis Castillo of the late 90s. Put him on reserve in AL-only this year.
Since Jose Valentin’s 2006 season looks just a tad out of line with his recent performances, the Mets may be compelled to trade for Castillo this summer instead of waiting for him to hit the open market.
