A common question in MLBTR chats: will the Mets attempt to unload Luis Castillo’s contract this winter? According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets and Castillo are "heading for a divorce when this season is over." Castillo was upset to see rookie Argenis Reyes starting at second base.
Omar Minaya signed Castillo to a four-year, $25MM contract in November of last year. The Mets flirted with David Eckstein that winter, but balked at his demands. Eckstein eventually signed with the Blue Jays for one year and $4.5MM.
Castillo, 33, is hitting .252/.351/.316 in 335 plate appearances this year. His production is about what the Mets should’ve expected. Castillo has dealt with knee soreness, a strained quad, and a strained hip flexor this year, limiting his availability.
The Mets are willing to eat some of the $18MM Castillo has coming over the next three years. Even if they eat half, though, the term remains a problem. The free agent market includes comparable players in Ray Durham and Mark Grudzielanek, who will probably land one-year deals in the $3-4MM range.
