Headlines

  • Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez
  • Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Bobby Jenks Passes Away
  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Mets Release Luis Castillo

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | March 18, 2011 at 10:33am CDT

Unable to delay the inevitable any longer, the Mets have released Luis Castillo. The team has confirmed the move via press release.

“This was [a] baseball decision,” GM Sandy Alderson said. “I met with Terry [Collins] and made a recommendation to Jeff [Wilpon] and Jeff approved on behalf of ownership.”

Luis Hernandez, Daniel Murphy and Brad Emaus remain in competition for the Mets' second base job. Earlier in the week it appeared that manager Terry Collins preferred Hernandez, but there's no clear-cut favorite.

Castillo hit .235/.337/.267 in 299 plate appearances last year and spent 47 days on the DL recovering from a left foot injury. The 35-year-old is entering the final season of the four-year, $25MM deal he signed after the 2007 season. Castillo impressed after the Mets acquired him in a mid-2007 trade with the Twins, hitting .296 and stealing 10 bases in a third of a season. That strong finish led to a $25MM guarantee from then-GM Omar Minaya.

Now a free agent, Castillo is available for the league minimum. The Mets will be responsible for his entire $6MM salary if he remains a free agent and they'll save just over $400K if he signs elsewhere.

Share 17 Retweet 50 Send via email0

New York Mets Transactions Luis Castillo

Castillo Hopes To Sign With Another Team
Main
Introducing Rumores de Béisbol
View Comments (72)
Post a Comment

72 Comments

  1. Rick Garcia

    14 years ago

    Guess he’s not the frontrunner for the starting job anymore

    Reply
  2. acatalano212

    14 years ago

    finally 🙂

    Reply
    • Infield Fly

      14 years ago

      If they can release Castillo they can damn sure release Pérez…and yet there he is in the bullpen…

      If anybody’s looking for me I’ll be buying up the entire Rolaids section at my local pharmacy.

      Reply
    • joe

      14 years ago

      i’m not defending luis castillo but why now? he’s having a decent spring. if anything i would say this is the pinacle of hope for luis castillo if there is one. it just seems like there was never a plan to keep him and it dragged on too long. if they were gonna keep him this long into spring they should at least give the guy a shot cause hes not doing half bad this spring

      Reply
  3. Crazy Eddie

    14 years ago

    Now watch him sign in Philly and rejuvenate his career.

    Reply
    • Matthew Guldin

      14 years ago

      Nope. They are going with Martinez or Barfield to take Utley’s spot to start the season.

      Reply
      • Bender44

        14 years ago

        And Valdez.

        Reply
        • Matthew Guldin

          14 years ago

          Valdez will start at 2B. The issue who grabs the last roster spot between Barfield and Martinez. Martinez is starting today at 2B and Barfield is tomorrow.

          Reply
          • Ryan

            14 years ago

            Since all 2B candidates are available for the MLB minimum, why would the Phillies not make a run at Castillo? He could instantly become the leadoff hitter, which would allow them to move Rollins down in the order which may be better off given his free swinging style.
            All else being equal on the money front, out of Valdez, Barfield, Martinez, and Castillo, I think Luis is clearly the closest to a “sure thing”, IF he’s healthy.

            Reply
            • nm344

              14 years ago

              No thanks. We’ll take our chances with non-cancers who are actually trying to give an effort.

              Reply
            • Mark S

              14 years ago

              Dude had a .600 OPS last year. If you can’t find better, you are doing something wrong.

              Reply
            • juice587

              14 years ago

              So wait, He’s not good enough to make the Mess but the Phillies should jump all over him? Huh? After watching him drop that pop up against the Yankees he should’ve been out of baseball that night.

              Reply
          • Bender44

            14 years ago

            Right. Valdez was gonna be on the team regardless of Utley’s injury. But it seemed like you were saying the Phils were gonna trot out a tandem of Martinez and Barfield to start at second.

            Though Valdez might be needed at 3rd and SS at points during the year.

            Reply
  4. User 4245925809

    14 years ago

    Well.. Philly don’t wanna pay anyone to play 2b… here is someone they won’t have to pay and he ain’t much of a 2b anymore either…

    Reply
  5. Kyle Buttermore

    14 years ago

    He will be a Philadelphia Phillie by next Friday.

    Reply
    • Matthew Guldin

      14 years ago

      Why? He’s is supposedly a lousy clubhouse guy and nobody in the Phils’ FO (Looper, LaMar) has a real strong tie to him. Is Castillo better than a Martinez or Barfield? Probably but the difference is marginal at best.

      Reply
      • Kyle Buttermore

        14 years ago

        Doesn’t hurt to have depth and a gold glove 2nd baseman.

        Reply
        • nm344

          14 years ago

          Its not 2002 anymore. And there is enough replacement depth already between Valdez, Barfield and Martinez, all 3 of whom are having excellent springs

          Reply
        • Cosmo3

          14 years ago

          Is this a serious statement?

          Reply
    • nm344

      14 years ago

      incorrect.

      Reply
      • Kyle Buttermore

        14 years ago

        Nope, looks like I was correct.

        Reply
  6. pete a

    14 years ago

    the end of days for LOS METS!!

    Reply
    • tacko

      14 years ago

      Double negative?

      Reply
    • gursk1989

      14 years ago

      AMEN!

      Reply
  7. oleosmirf 2

    14 years ago

    goodbye and good riddance. Ive never seen a more miserable looking player in all my years following sports…

    Reply
  8. Ray R

    14 years ago

    What took so long? I guess Ollie is next.

    Reply
    • East Coast Bias

      14 years ago

      He should have been first!

      Reply
  9. Matthew Guldin

    14 years ago

    Might be the high point for Mets’ fans this season in what is going to be a pretty boring and mediocre year although I am sure the ongoing saga will Beltran’s knees and Bay’s struggles will give the NY media something to write about.

    Reply
  10. BlueCatuli

    14 years ago

    What are the odds he is a Cub? I know Hendry has said the Cubs are confident in the second base personnel, but I’m not convinced. I see a lot of negativity about him, and as a Cubs’ fan I don’t necessarily want him, I’m just curious in other MLBTR readers opinions.

    Reply
    • rayking

      14 years ago

      Both Blake Dewitt and Jeff Baker will give you more production than Castillo, in my opinion. Not that I’m convinced in those guys either, but they present a stronger case than Castillo. His time is done – he has not aged well at all and injuries have taken their toll.

      Reply
  11. East Coast Bias

    14 years ago

    Damn it!! I had a $100 bet going with a friend that Ollie would be released before Castillo.

    Reply
  12. jill

    14 years ago

    Whew! Now all of the Mets problems are solved!

    Reply
  13. formerdraftpick 2

    14 years ago

    Why wouldn’t the Phillies use Young, Barfield, or Orr at 2b? I think the Mets should have shaken him up and tried him out at SS, 3B and the OF to generate trade interest. The Marlins could use him and move Infante to 3B. His best bet is with the O’s with Roberts perpetually hurt.

    Reply
  14. Blue387

    14 years ago

    Hell, the Mariners should take a look at Castillo. It’s not like anyone would notice his performance.

    Reply
  15. ARod's Ring

    14 years ago

    Looks like Castillo is a delusional and bitter man
    From Jim Baumbach’s Twitter:

    Luis Castillo to Newsday on what he said in meeting: “I said I came here to play and you didn’t give me the chance. You didn’t use me.”

    Reply
  16. mymrbig

    14 years ago

    I don’t understand why Chin-Lung Hu was never in the competition for starting 2B. He has more offensive upside than Luis Hernandez and would be an elite defender. Seems like a better option than Hernandez at least if the Mets wanted to go with the strong defender over offensive production.

    Reply
    • ARod's Ring

      14 years ago

      I agree! I don’t get it.

      Reply
  17. ARod's Ring

    14 years ago

    he has his chance… & he dropped it. LOL

    Reply
    • Shawn K

      14 years ago

      “Here comes Teixeiraaa!!!!”

      Reply
  18. Martin M.

    14 years ago

    BYE BYE

    Reply
  19. top_prospect_aw

    14 years ago

    “I met with Terry” Interpretted to “I informed Terry”. No surprise that Sandy made this decision. Mets Fans: Be prepared for more of your GM making playing time and roster decisions while his manager is treated as a mere puppet.

    Reply
    • top_prospect_aw

      14 years ago

      Meanwhile the manager he let walk out of his former organization, Bruce Bochy, is coming off a championship season

      Reply
    • eDaPS

      14 years ago

      Uh….the GMs job IS to make roster decisions….

      Reply
  20. Cam Marr

    14 years ago

    he signs with ….

    Reply
  21. Pool Messi

    14 years ago

    Too bad A-Rod will actually have to get a hit this time.

    Reply
    • East Coast Bias

      14 years ago

      I was at that game!

      Reply
      • Shawn K

        14 years ago

        “Here comes Teixeiraaa!”

        Reply
  22. MetsEventually

    14 years ago

    OH MY GOD

    Reply
  23. Cam Marr

    14 years ago

    milton bradley + jeff francoeur + luis castillo

    Reply
  24. Cam Marr

    14 years ago

    trouble makers is a bad word lowsy teamateare the words i was searching for

    Reply
    • MetsFanXXIII

      14 years ago

      The words you were searching for don’t even exist. Oh, and Francoeur was always hailed as a great clubhouse guy, one of the few things he was consistent at.

      Reply
  25. Joshua

    14 years ago

    maybe the orioles could pick him up. with roberts and his injured back this would make sense to have some depth in the infield

    Reply
  26. metfan31

    14 years ago

    im a little confused how this move was made before ollie.. but then again, the mets like to screw with me.

    Reply
    • MetsFanXXIII

      14 years ago

      Ollie’s making twice as much. Other than that, there’s no valid reason.

      Reply
  27. AtomicAmish

    14 years ago

    Wait a minute: guys still play major league baseball at 35?

    Who knew?

    Reply
  28. icedrake523

    14 years ago

    Great news! Now I can get a Castillo jersey on clearance.

    Reply
    • Stl_Great

      14 years ago

      Why would you want one?

      Reply
      • rayking

        14 years ago

        Maybe icedrake is a Yankees fan.

        Reply
      • icedrake523

        14 years ago

        To go with my Trachsel, Heilman, Schoeneweis, Redding and Matsui jerseys.

        Reply
        • Blue387

          14 years ago

          Don’t forget to dry clean Mo Vaughn jersey!

          Reply
  29. ACra

    14 years ago

    The only thing that would make this more rich is if the Phillies claimed him. How I would love to see Slapstillo in Philly red.

    Reply
  30. bigmel 2

    14 years ago

    Hey Castillo…….don’t let the door hit you in the a@@ on the way out!

    Reply
    • xhausted_grad

      14 years ago

      HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

      OMG THAT IS SO FUNNY!!!

      HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

      OH BIGMEL YOU ARE JUST TOO MUCH!!!

      Reply
  31. Steve_in_MA

    14 years ago

    All I can say is that I like the Mets’ style. I wish more teams would demonstrate the courage to cut off their dead wood in sudden and painful fashion. Yeah, the Mets certainly have others as deserving or more deserving. But so do lots of teams. The cleansing thing about outright releases is that you admit your mistake, agree to pay for it and move on immediately. There’s less agony that way.

    Reply
    • xhausted_grad

      14 years ago

      that brings the tally to:

      people who like the Mets’ style = 1

      people who don’t like the Mets’ style = population of the Milky Way Galaxy

      Reply
    • Just - MLB

      14 years ago

      this was more of a PR move than a baseball move…

      the fact that TC and Sandy are even admitting that public opinion played a big factor says that even they were not really on board with this

      Reply
  32. Dwan

    14 years ago

    Wish the Giants would swallow their pride and do the same with Rowand.

    Reply
  33. MatzMatics

    14 years ago

    BradPenny “Luis Castillo is a good player. I think the mets made a bad move.”

    twitter.com/BradPenny/status/48784781000970240

    Somebody needs to tell Brad that this isn’t 2003 anymore….or that it’s not April Fool’s Day yet.

    Reply
  34. TheRza82

    14 years ago

    I hope the Mets put Murphy at second base…Sure, he might have some defensive growing pains at the position but at this point he is far and away the best offensive option the Mets will have at second base and the Mets should build on that. If the Mets offense can stay healthy this year I would expect them to put up some impressive numbers. The mets pitching is suspect as well as their bullpen, might as well stick with what you’re good at and it looks like for this team it will be on the offensive end.

    Reply
  35. Ian O'Malley

    14 years ago

    he was the best mets second baseman since Anderson Hernandez… what a shame.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

  • Top Stories
  • Recent

Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Bobby Jenks Passes Away

Braves Release Alex Verdugo

Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

Rangers Option Josh Jung

Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

Tucker Barnhart To Retire

Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

Dave Parker Passes Away

Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

White Sox Sign Kyle Tyler To Minor League Deal

Nationals Sign Luis Garcia

Poll: The Yankees’ Biggest Need At The Deadline

Yankees Place Mark Leiter Jr. On IL With Fibular Head Stress Fracture

Rhys Hoskins Expects To Be Out Roughly Six Weeks

Yankees Moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. Back To Second Base

White Sox Reinstate Luis Robert Jr.

Gary Sánchez Likely To Miss 8-10 Weeks

Mets Designate Zach Pop For Assignment

Red Sox Select Isaiah Campbell

MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

Latest Rumors & News

Latest Rumors & News

  • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
  • Luis Robert Rumors
  • Alex Bregman Rumors

 

Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

MLBTR Features

MLBTR Features

  • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
  • Front Office Originals
  • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
  • MLBTR Podcast
  • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
  • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
  • Contract Tracker
  • Transaction Tracker
  • Extension Tracker
  • Agency Database
  • MLBTR On Twitter
  • MLBTR On Facebook
  • Team Facebook Pages
  • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

Rumors By Team

  • Angels Rumors
  • Astros Rumors
  • Athletics Rumors
  • Blue Jays Rumors
  • Braves Rumors
  • Brewers Rumors
  • Cardinals Rumors
  • Cubs Rumors
  • Diamondbacks Rumors
  • Dodgers Rumors
  • Giants Rumors
  • Guardians Rumors
  • Mariners Rumors
  • Marlins Rumors
  • Mets Rumors
  • Nationals Rumors
  • Orioles Rumors
  • Padres Rumors
  • Phillies Rumors
  • Pirates Rumors
  • Rangers Rumors
  • Rays Rumors
  • Red Sox Rumors
  • Reds Rumors
  • Rockies Rumors
  • Royals Rumors
  • Tigers Rumors
  • Twins Rumors
  • White Sox Rumors
  • Yankees Rumors

Navigation

  • Sitemap
  • Archives
  • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

MLBTR INFO

  • Advertise
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top

Register

Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version