Why the Mariners traded for Welington Castillo, and why now

BALTIMORE – Adding Welington Castillo was largely an insurance move for the Mariners. Backup catchers for the most part are not a big deal – not until you need them.

“I think if you look at the state of catching throughout baseball and you look at us having two young catchers at the big league level, and the other catcher on the 40-man roster at AAA has never played a day in the big leagues,” Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik pointed out, “I think when you go through the course of 162 games, it is such a demanding position that when you get a chance to add a veteran guy, someone who has been around, we thought it was a good fit.”

Simply put, it’s better not to be left scrambling should something happen to Mike Zunino.

The deal – Castillo to the M’s, Yoervis Medina to the Cubs – came down in the last 24 hours. While it was not a top priority over the offseason, Zduriencik explored the option of adding an experienced catcher but didn’t see a good fit.

The Cubs have had a surplus of catching this season, though, and Zduriencik brought this up in a phone call with GM Jed Hoyer about two weeks ago. Yesterday Hoyer called back and the trade was made. The bullpen takes a hit, but Zduriencik said he believes they have depth beyond Dominic Leone if needed.

“I do think there are some guys who are starting who (could be a reliever) in a pinch,” Zduriencik said. “The question is whether or not they are legitimate Major League starters or whether or not they are guys who can go to the bullpen and help you. We will see how it unfolds as time goes on.”

As for Zunino, both Lloyd McClendon and Zduriencik made it very clear that he is still the No. 1 catcher.

“It doesn’t send any kind of message,” Zduriencik said. “Mike is still the starting catcher, that’s not going to change at all.”

He could see more days off, however, if the bat does not come along.

“(Castillo’s) playing time will be predicated on Zunino’s performances on the field,” said McClendon, who pointed out that days off can benefit Zunino both physically and mentally.

Castillo will have to learn the pitching staff, one that can be very difficult to catch. The book on his defense is mixed but not concerning for Zduriencik.

“If there are areas that are short, that’s what coaches get paid to do,” he said. “We need to shore it up a little bit. We need to help this guy get over the hump a little bit. We got him because we like a skill set he has. There is no perfect player.”

Castillo is not yet with the team and a corresponding move will have to be made when he arrives. He fills a need that could have been difficult to fill if the need arose.

“To me this was the move that should be made to protect us going forward as well as to give us experience immediately,” Zduriencik said, “and the fact that he has some ability to hit is a positive.”

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