Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luis Castillo (pitcher, born 1992)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 12, 2026

How Luis Castillo (pitcher, born 1992) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Luis Castillo, born in 1992, is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Seattle Mariners in MLB. He debuted in 2017 with the Cincinnati Reds and has since become a three-time All-Star, establishing himself as a prominent pitcher in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2011: Signed with the San Francisco Giants

In December 2011, Luis Castillo signed with the San Francisco Giants as an international free agent.

2012: Professional Debut with DSL Giants

In 2012, Luis Castillo made his professional debut with the DSL Giants, recording a 1-3 record with a 3.31 ERA.

2013: Return to DSL Giants

In 2013, Luis Castillo returned to the DSL Giants, going 0-1 with a 0.64 ERA in 27 appearances.

December 20, 2014: Traded to the Miami Marlins

On December 20, 2014, Luis Castillo and Kendry Flores were traded to the Miami Marlins for Casey McGehee.

2014: Debut in the United States

In 2014, Luis Castillo came to the United States, pitching for the Augusta GreenJackets, achieving a 2-2 record and a 3.07 ERA in 48 appearances.

2015: Time with Greensboro and Jupiter

In 2015, Luis Castillo started with the Greensboro Grasshoppers and was promoted to the Jupiter Hammerheads in July. He finished the year with a 6-6 record and a 3.20 ERA.

2016: Time with Jupiter and Jacksonville

In 2016, Luis Castillo began the season with Jupiter and was later promoted to the Jacksonville Suns in August. He ended the season with an 8-6 record and a 2.26 ERA. The Marlins added Castillo to their 40-man roster after the season.

2016: Brief Time with the San Diego Padres

In the summer of 2016, Luis Castillo was briefly part of the San Diego Padres organization due to a trade. However, he returned to the Marlins two days later after Colin Rea's injury.

January 19, 2017: Traded to the Cincinnati Reds

On January 19, 2017, the Marlins traded Luis Castillo, Austin Brice, and Isaiah White to the Cincinnati Reds for Dan Straily.

June 23, 2017: MLB Debut for Reds

On June 23, 2017, Luis Castillo was promoted by the Reds and made his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Luis Castillo made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cincinnati Reds.

2018: Return to Cincinnati's Starting Rotation

In 2018, Luis Castillo returned to Cincinnati's starting rotation, posting a record of 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 31 starts.

March 19, 2019: Named Reds' Opening Day Starter

On March 19, 2019, Luis Castillo was named the Reds' Opening Day starter.

2019: Changeup Usage

From 2019 to 2021, Luis Castillo's changeup was his most frequently thrown pitch, used at least 30 percent of the time each season.

2019: Most Valuable Changeup

In 2019, Luis Castillo had the most valuable changeup in baseball.

2020: 2020 Season

During the abbreviated 2020 season, Luis Castillo had a 4-6 record and a 3.21 ERA. He started Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, taking the loss against the Atlanta Braves.

2021: Changeup Usage

From 2019 to 2021, Luis Castillo's changeup was his most frequently thrown pitch, used at least 30 percent of the time each season.

2021: 2021 Season

In 2021, Luis Castillo recorded a 3.98 ERA with 192 strikeouts, tying for the MLB lead with 16 losses and leading the NL with 75 walks.

2021: Led League in Walks

Luis Castillo led the league in walks in 2021.

March 22, 2022: Signed Contract with the Reds

On March 22, 2022, Luis Castillo signed a $7.35 million contract with the Reds, avoiding salary arbitration.

July 29, 2022: Traded to the Seattle Mariners

On July 29, 2022, the Reds traded Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners.

2022: 2022 Season with Seattle

In 2022, Luis Castillo had a 3.19 ERA in 11 starts with Seattle and helped the Mariners end their 21-year playoff drought. He pitched well in the Wild Card Series but took the loss in the ALDS.

2022: Reduced Walk Rate

Since joining the Mariners in 2022, Luis Castillo reduced his walk rate to 6.8 percent in his first two full seasons in Seattle.

2022: Increased Fastball Usage

Starting in 2022, Luis Castillo relied more on his fastball, increasing its usage from 29 percent in 2021 to 45 percent in 2024. He consistently had one of the 10 most valuable fastballs.

2023: 2023 Performance

In 2023, Luis Castillo nearly matched his run prevention rate from the previous season.

2024: 2024 Season and Injury

In 2024, Luis Castillo was the Mariners Opening Day starter again, but lost to the Boston Red Sox. His season ended early due to a hamstring injury on September 10. He posted a 3.64 ERA and 175 strikeouts.

2024: Changeup Usage Decreases

Starting in 2022, Luis Castillo relied more on his fastball, increasing its usage from 29 percent in 2021 to 45 percent in 2024. His changeup usage decreased and he consistently had one of the 10 most valuable fastballs from 2022 to 2024.