Marlins infielder Starlin Castro would prefer not to suit up for his new organization, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). He recently landed in Miami in the blockbuster swap that sent superstar Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees.
It’s not difficult to see why Castro would prefer to find a new home. The Marlins are clearly in a rebuilding stance, with several top veterans already having been dealt and a few more still on the block. Castro is already guaranteed to earn at a healthy clip for the next two seasons — $10MM and $11MM apiece followed by a $1MM buyout on a 2020 option — and he’d surely prefer to draw his salary while playing for a contender.
It is not apparent whether Castro has communicated his preferences to his new organization directly, though Rosenthal’s report will have that effect regardless. Miami has made clear that it won’t make decisions about who stays and who goes based upon player requests. The organization has recently been forced to respond to reports that stars Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto want out.
From the Marlins’ perspective, clearing salary has obviously been a major motivating factor, and it has long seemed that Castro’s contract could be sent forward in another deal. On the other hand, the payroll situation is much improved from the start of the offseason and Castro could conceivably be retained — particularly if the club decides to keep Yelich and Realmuto (among others) while attempting a shorter rebuild.
The other factor here, of course, is market demand. Many organizations have already met their needs at second base, the position Castro has played most recently. And players such as Neil Walker and Howie Kendrick remain available in free agency. While it’s possible to imagine a few landing spots for Castro, it seems unlikely he’d be heavily pursued.
Still just 27 years of age, Castro is coming off of his best offensive season in some time. Over 473 plate appearances in 2017, he turned in a .300/.338/.454 batting line with 16 home runs while earning his fourth All-Star nod. But he was a below-average performer in each of the prior two seasons and has not graded as a plus defender in the middle infield.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
who wouldn’t
brucewayne
I can see the Dodgers trying to get Castro!
em650r
I wouldn’t blame him I would want off a sinking ship too
thesheriffisnear
I feel bad for Castro. Goes through the whole Cubs rebuild and gets traded the offseason before they win it all. Could be the same thing with the Yankees.
Freex19
Come back to the yankees
Begamin
lol wouldnt that be something. dont think its going to happen though, theyre too big on Torres
Serafini1968
trade Clint Fraser for Castro
matthew102402
This isn’t MLB the show.
chrisbluediamond
Lmaoo
trace
It’s nice to want things.
delete
Got to love these rich big leaguers who don’t want to do the job they are being paid to do.
MB923
Their job is to play baseball. Their preference is almost anywhere but Miami.
delete
Oh is that what his contract says. “Your job is to play baseball.” Thanks for your wisdom. The way I see it creating a PR mess, inflicting this negativity on the clubhouse, and evincing an attitude that might very well affect on field performance is a breach of contract
Roll
What you see and what is written and expected of a sports player is 2 very different things. They are obligated by contract to play baseball / sport and to make pr appearances as needed for the team. The team does not own a person’s opinion and preferences. If he does something that is detrimental to the team has the right to fine / suspend him and then he has the right in his contract to file a grievance with the union. That is pretty typical of most of the baseball / sports contracts.
SanDiegoPaul
I agree, that’s fine, but if you are good enough, talent wise, to where you know that you can use your talent as leverage to get what you want, then why not push to get what you want in life. It doesn’t mean that one side loses but I get it, Castro might be in his prime years. I don’t follow his career.
Would you be willing to literally waste possibly the next three seasons and your best years on a rebuilding club after you’ve just been bounced from two contenders.
I’d feel a little anxiety too.
delete
You’re making stuff up. If I bring disrepute on my employer I will be fired. We’ve seen scandal ridden and baggage ridden players released aka fired across pro sports. He has a right to an opinion, but contract limits him from expressing it freely in the employment context.
lasershow45
Actually, since he has a guaranteed contract and you don’t, he has a huge amount of leverage that you don’t. He can’t be fired. MLBPA would have a field day with the Marlins IF they tried. And they won’t. They do not care about his opinion. And he will play for them if he doesn’t get traded.
mlb1225
Just because they’re rich doesn’t mean they can’t have a preference where they want to play.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
But unless you’re an IFA you don’t get to choose where you play until you reach free agency.. your agent doesn’t get you a no trade clause? Too bad.. it’s not like we are talking Curt FLood days here the salaries are insane and for any player to throw a fit about where they play is ridiculous! You get drafted or sign with a team as IFA and they own you for 6 years it’s not like this is some huge secret! Castro signed with the cubs when they were terrible!! Go to work where you’re contractually obligated to go to work until 2020 or don’t sign a deal without ntc or get the players union to change the game at the next cba! These young players have zero idea what guys like Clemente and Flood lived thru.. sasses I tell ya
mlb1225
He wants to be on a team that isn’t in the middle of a rebuild. He was traded as part of a salary dump to The Marlins.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
I want my wife to be skinny again but you know what I signed that paper and I’m obligated to stay
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Then we should cut the league down to 20 teams so the talent isn’t so thin and every team has a shot every year! Man all those participation ribbons are biting the world in the rear faster than I’d ever imagined.. news flash kids the world is not fair and will never be fair
mlb1225
I think a lot of people just see pro athletes as they’re all stuck-up rich snobs. While there are some that fit that description, it’s doesn’t fit all pro athletes. Rich doesn’t equal you have no opinion.
wrigleywannabe
who is throwing a fit? yeah, they can do what you say or they can ask to be traded. asking to be moved isn’t against the CBA. jealoysy, I tell ya
wrigleywannabe
actuslly, no, you aren’t and you can ask her to woekout. If she says no, you can holdout, so to speak
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Oh it’s America he can have his opinions but the league is structured in a way that his opinion doesn’t matter until he’s a free agent or has a ntc or has 10-5 rights.. boohoo you got traded from Chicago to NY to Miami gaga isn’t not like he’s stuck in Kansas City.. okay the game and force a trade with your skills.. this isn’t mcds or att or citibank it’s a game with rules and a cba
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
You don’t do well with the ladies do you?
wrigleywannabe
totally different. My Lord, he isn’t throwing a fir. plus, if you cut down to 20, it’s going to be no participation for a lot of guys. heck mlb tries to fair it up, now, with luxury tax, etc
davbee
And your wife wants someone who isn’t a jerk, but again, there’s that signed paper.
delete
He should bring it up with his union
delete
It’s not against the CBA but creating a PR nightmare is such a breach of contract. Wanna talk CBA? If not for the union he could have negotiated a no trade agreement earlier in his career. Less salary for more trade protection. He just bring up his grievance with the union and not with the media/fans/team
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Wait im single.. who took my password?!
jorleeduf
She probably wants you to stop being a pain in the ass, but she is obligated to stay.
antibelt
Another Trump supporter telling people they can’t have an opinion! PasswordisAs$h0le!
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Password is the furthest thing from a trump supporter haha get real this isn’t political it’s societal and Castro is being a baby.. just like he gets to be a baby I get to call him a baby and is tell him to his face he’s a rapist baby
frankthetank1985
Nice!
frankthetank1985
Isn’t it the other way around. Isn’t it the anti trump supporters that don’t allow anyone else to have an opinion?
realgone2
Nah it’s both sides. They’re equally annoying.
gorav114
Yup, making ten million bucks playing baseball living in Miami. Cry me a river
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
But just because of how the league is set up they must play where they are traded.. grow up kids life isn’t about always being happy with your situation.. he wants out? Tear it up with your skills until July and force the marlins into trading you to a contender
herecomethephillies2018
Who crapped in your Cheerios this morning Password?
A bit of irony in complaining about a guy complaining, no?
wrigleywannabe
it works both ways…he simply said, apparently, he’d like to be traded. no different than me saying I’d like a department transfer
delete
Not really one guy signed a legal contract and another guy is chilling at his computer
camdenyards46
This is all ridiculous. Castro was happy in New York and he was traded to Miami, who is cutting budget and tanking, and he would rather not be in that situation. Plain and simple. Requesting a trade is not breaching a contract.
wrigleywannabe
Who said he wouldn’t do his job?.
Gotta love jealous fans who think money buys happiness.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Omfg yes he can piss and moan about being traded and can say he’d like to be traded but the marlins have zero obligation to trade him.. if this dude is unhappy playing in Miami then maybe he should have worked on his skillset enough to not have been expendable to Chicago and NY.. oh if we cut out 10 teams then people lose opportunities to play? Maybe some of these dudes shouldn’t be in the bigs? If every player gets to cry about wanting to be on a contender or want traded then how will anyone be happy ever? Oh the humanity!,
mlb1225
It’s not like he was expendable with Chicago, or NY. Chicago had Baez, Russell, and had signed Zobrist. He was just the odd man out. He was only included in the Stanton deal to help the salary being sent.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Define expendable for me fella..and if you think his 10 mil was in any way why he was sent to miami haha OK! It’s called torres,either one of them, was going to take his job
delete
His job is to carry out his contract in good faith. Making a PR mess, upsetting clubhouse chemistry, and developing an attitude that may very well affect on field performance is not carrying out your contract in good faith
mlb1225
I mean, I think every notable Marlin has said they either want to be traded, or don’t like how the new ownership is running the club.
lasershow45
Nah man. His job is to play baseball.
Cashford64
How about be a professional and do your job without complaining.
iamhector24
I didn’t realize that getting paid well and being rich also meant that you weren’t allowed to attempt to be happy. Earning a large salary doesn’t mean that your opinion on your own life is moot. I know this is tough for your pea brained thought process but regardless of how much they make athletes are in fact human beings with thoughts, feelings and real emotions.
b-rar
Christian Yelich asked to be traded too, but for some reason the request sounded a lot grittier coming from him.
christian18cutshaw
Braves need to trade Markakis to them and maybe a low level prospect for Castro and put him at 3rd. Swap salaries and give a prospect to make up for the talent. Maybe they could put together a package for him and Yelich.
Pingleja
They definitely have the pitching SP’s to do it. Depends on if the Marlins would demand Acuna or not. I think they could go with Pache and 3 of the braves top 5 SP prospects.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
You think jeets actually thinks Castro nets him acuna? Bahahaha
thecoffinnail
Yelich does for sure.. He is basically saying Markakis for Castro and prospects for Yelich.. Not sure who will man LF if they trade both Markakis and Acuna and only bring back Yelich though..
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Why yellich over acuna tho? Acunas ceiling is double that of yellich
Pingleja
Yelich is a known commodity that looks like his power will play better in ATL. I think “double” is a stretch. But I do agree he’ll probably be a better long term player. I was just saying you don’t know what the Marlins demands are for Yelich – obviously they’re high.
christian18cutshaw
Atlanta could get a deal done for Yelich without including any of their top three prospects with how deep thir farm is and with how much money they have to spend. Miami is all about cutting pay roll right now. Yelich, Prado or Castro, Wei-Yin Chen’s salary, Brad Zieglers salary for to the Braves for Nick Markakis, Christian Pache, Ian Anderson, Joey Wentz, Max Fried. That’s 4 potential top 100s.
Mjm117
What got you that beautiful conclusion?
Zach725
Castro hasn’t played 3rd base ever in the majors. I would much rather have Todd Frazier or Nunez than Castro, and I’m sure the Braves feel the same way.
One Fan
Castro is not a third baseman. This is not little league where you just stick him and third and expect him to perform
thecoffinnail
He was a SS for years in Chicago.. Most defensively challenged shortstops move over to 3rd if their team has a better defender at short.. That is why Cozart will be playing 3rd for the Angels because there isn’t anyone that can displace Simmons.. Even though Cozart is a solid defensive SS.
jimmyz
I want to play for the Marlins! Jeter give me a call, league minimum sounds way better than the 32 thousand I’m currently making.
realgone2
Me too!. Hell, I’ll take 200K
algionfriddo
Wouldn’t be easier to trade the Marlins to Portland or Montreal? With new owners.of course.
thelyonhearted
Exactly what I was thinking
VABlitz
Montreal already had their chance. I can get on board with Portland. Or perhaps Vancouver if you want a Canadian team.
OverUnderDone
Not true. Ironically the pig-owner who killed baseball in Montreal is the exact same one who tried to kill baseball in Miami: Loria.
Think what he could do to your favorite team!
JamieMoyer 4
This is only tangentially related to the article, but I find it so amusing that Castro has been selected for the all star game in every season he has accumulated at least 2 rWAR (note: he has yet to reach 4 WAR in any one season)
thecoffinnail
I don’t know why most people are so down on Castro.. I know he isn’t the best and seems to rotate good years and bad but if you compare his stats to Moustakas (who will definitely not be signing for $10m-$11m AAV) you basically have similar stats with Castro having a bit better OBP and Moose having more power.. If you subtract Moustakas’ unusual 38 HR output from last year and put him back to his career norm (around 20 with 22 being his previous high) Castro had a superior season last year.. Moose was a butcher on defense last year as well.. More so than Castro.. Yet, I see fans clamoring for their team to sign him.. Castro says he wants a trade and….. Crickets, from both fans and teams..
brucewayne
Moose will certainly be getting $10 million or more a year in salary!
Ryan Hilson
Brewers should Castro and Ziegler for Harrison
brewcrew08
I don’t know if the Brewers want the contract that Ziegler has though. 9MM is awfully steep even for a year rental. I was thinking Castro/Straily for Ortiz, OF prospect and another middle of the road prospect as well. Brewers would get a 2B and another starter they could use and Marlins move Castro’s 21MM
scottstots
Harrison for a guy who can’t play d or walk no thank you. maybe Gatewood or Diplan for Castro no top guys though
brewcrew08
Brewers have a huge need at 2B. I would love to see Castro over Walker. Both would be making about 10M per and Castro is younger and better with the stick. He would also give the young guys in the system 2 full years to develop. Brewers have a glaring need at 2B. If they go in with Sogard as their starter they can’t expect to contend.
davbee
Villar is one season removed from being a productive player. A Villar/Sogard platoon, with Perez as depth, would probably be just fine.
sandman12
I vote for Monte.
sandman12
Now we understand why the Yanks dropped the stink bomb of Castro’s contract on the Marlins instead of trying to trade him themselves.. His glove doesn’t play well at SS or 2B,
Marlins could move him to the OF., where they certainly have room. In his prime, Castro is capable of 20 HR and 80 RBI (Yelich numbers). However, paying him all that money sort of goes against the game plan..
One Fan
What makes you think he can play outfield
sandman12
That’s what outfielders are! Guys who can’t play IF.
realgone2
stick him in left
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
You said all that money haha Castro at 11 MIL isn’t a lot if money at all! Relievers are getting close to that in aav.. games a changing bros get on board or get off on yourselves bahahahaha
wrigleywannabe
and asking to be traded is part of the changes
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Except he doesn’t have a leg to stand on asking to be traded.. I like Castro dudes underrated and cheap but he’s not the caliber of player who can make demands to be traded.. his 2-3 wins aren’t putting any team over the top.. since his days in Chicago is abilities and work ethic have Bern questioned.. ever think he’s just being a big ass baby?
herecomethephillies2018
Lol 20 hr and 80 rbi doesn’t make him Christian Yelich. OBP is 50 points lower, SLG 20 points lower, nowhere near as many SB or runs, and would be a defensive liability vs. Yelich being a defensive asset. It is fun to dream tho…
VABlitz
In his prime? How old do you think he is? He’s only 27. And his 162 game average is only 14HR and 70RBI. I didn’t watch too many games this year, but the few that I did he seemed to be average defensively at 2B. Probably SS would not be a good fit for him.
roadapple
Every player hopefully will share every waking thought soon.
wrigleywannabe
hopefully, you will comment on them all
xabial
At least Castro can solicit comfort from the fact he was traded for the NL Mvp.
jdgoat
Lmao how is Castro a four time all star
wrigleywannabe
every team has to have one
mikeyank55
I hope that Castro has a career year and some of the kids around him catch lightening. It would be especially satisfying to 90% of New Yorkers if they could finish ahead of the cheap Mets
ASapsFables
As I have mentioned before, Starlin Castro would be a great fit on the White Sox to play 3B and add another solid bat to their lineup. He would join recently signed free agent catcher Wellington Castillo as a former Cub who also played under Rick Renteria on the North Side back in 2014. Castro actually thrived under Renteria after struggling mightily with previous Cub manager Dale Sveum.
renegadescoach
The Phillies could take on his salary in some kind of 3-way trade involving Cesar Hernandez, an OF, prospects and a then a SP such as Archer or Cole from the 3rd team.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
Lol wut?! I thought all the kids were back in school!
rmullig2
The Mets should make a move for him. They need offense and 11M is about as high as they can go budget-wise.
Solaris601
I agree – Mets are the best fit for Castro. I just don’t know who would go to MIA in such a trade. Gsellman or Lugo plus 2 low level minor leaguers?
jakec77
That wouldn’t make sense for the Mets, Walker is a better fit and would only require a contract.
hojostache
In what world do the Mets give up a back of the rotation arm AND two lower level prospects AND take on $11 AAV for 2 yr? Their ownership is cheap and Sandy isn’t stupid.
Up until the last year or so, Castro’s numbers were in line with Ruben Tejada. When Castro was with the Cubs and Ruben w. the Mets…their stats were dead even. Castro improved marginally….which still isn’t worth anything close to Lugo + 2 prospects + salary relief.
mikeyank55
Castro would leave for Japan rather than play for the hopeless Mets. They may technically be ahead of the Marlins however are a cheap owner, incompetently managed, sorry franchise.
Joeypower
Jays calling the marlins as we speak….
Aoe3
Hoping Toronto starts off a package with Bichettee. Throw in Alford too or another tier2 prospect.
camdenyards46
Hope you are kidding
stretch123
I would trade Castro for a young controllable outfielder or a controllable reliever. Play Prado at 2B next season or Rojas. Could really use a young outfielder though to pair with Yelich, pending he stays in Miami.
BSPORT
Trade him back to Yanks, they could use him.
Solaris601
I could not only see Jeter gifting Castro back to the Yankees but eating half of his contract and getting career minor leaguers back in return.
brucewayne
Except Jeter isn’t the GM! Michael Hill is the GM in Miami
xabial
Jeter is the Chief Executive Officer, with final say over Roster.
Michael Hill may be GM, Sherman may be control owner, But Jeter is in charge of Baseball side.
(Also doesn’t hurt, Jeter was given 10% of team)
Ronnie
Maybe he doesn’t want to play in Miami simply because his last name is Castro…. Ever think of that??
Braveslifer
Braves should get Castro, Yelich, and Realmuto.
realgone2
Thank Christ you’re not the GM.
Mjm117
And what should the Fish get?
RHova87
Marlins Trade: Starlin Castro and Christian Yelich
Cubs Trade: Albert Almora and Addison Russel
Bring Starlin home!
camdenyards46
Marlins say no
lasershow45
Cubs say hell no
Mjm117
Then call back GM Hill and say “ we’re just kidding! “
citizen
Castro to any team would involve an error on castros part.
Chris Sale Amateur Tailor
I made this thread take off! Go me!
Jimcarlo Slaton
He really doesn’t have much value at his salary..
pjmcnu
2 things: First, the Marlins are probably the only organization whose fans hear that a newly traded for player doesn’t want to play for them and think “Yeah, sure, totally get that.” Second, I’d actually be pretty satisfied if the Mets acquired Castro, if it were a total salary dump (i.e. only non-prospects were part of the deal – we have plenty of those). Better 2b than anything the Wilpons are willing to pay for, at least.
mikeyank55
Hey PJ…the Mets fans are whining ver your comments. It’s something quite natural for them, though they have been absent over the past 6-9 weeks.
Especially distant is metseventually who seems to be migrating to another alias to avoid criticism for his posts.
Calvin M
.He missed 1/3 of the season and had 300 BA; 16 HR; 63 RBI, and he gets paid $10M. That better than a lot of infielders who get paid a lot more. Think before you type stuff like this.
jimmertee
Castro would look good in a Blue Jays uniform.
realgone2
Amazing that this train wreck of a franchise has 2 WS Titles
Mjm117
Yeap! Marlins make the postseason they’re automatic to win it all.
Gomez Toth
This is good news for Cito Culver, ex-AAA for the Yankees who just signed with Miami.
Phillies2017
At this point, I can imagine even the hot dog vendors are lining up to request a trade.
tealmarlin
I was asking this yesterday in the chat but it never got answered. Also Prado should go, the only one that really needed to go was him, Tazawa and Ziegler.
countryjedi3
It’s simple if you want to leave void out your contract and become a fa otherwise suck it up and play…we need to stop letting these spoiled rotten cry babies dictate where they go…stop giving the no trade clauses and if they ask to be traded then demand them to buy themselves out of their overpaid contracts… Or start paying them what they deserve…minimum wage
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Or you know there is another side of the ledger if you want to go that far. Maybe you know stop giving mlb team 10-12 years of control. Oh yeah maybe actually pay them a liveable wage in milb ball. Oh wait, but their spoiled rotten cry babies sorry I forgot. Give me a break.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Here’s the joke of it all. He’s not creating a PR nightmare, he’s not out here ranting and raving like a you know a**hole. He simply asked for a trade from a team that is actively tanking. He is asking for a trade from a team that has no intent to compete. Basically he is asking for a trade from an organization that wants to put more money in their pockets. But he’s the one being called a “spoiled” little athlete. He is an athlete. Athletes compete or at least the ones that care. It is truly not that big of a deal. There’s clearly a double standard here. Am I one of the few that see it?
dmarcus15
Yelich, Castro, and Bour to the Cards for Wong, Voigt, Garcia, Gridich and 2 lower level pitchers. This gives the cards a first baseman and would be one of the best outfielder in baseball.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
And that gives the Marlins………
Mjm117
Marlins should add Realmuto and cash to pay off Yelichs contract as well.
Fish would make that deal in a heartbeat.
Fg-3
Trade him back to the Yanks and make him the staring 3rd basemen.
Decent d and a good bat. About 20 mil less than Manny Machado.