Trade Central: Mariners Acquire Curt Casali, Matthew Boyd From Giants For Stretch Run

Image credit: Curt Casali (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

After making their big move for righthander Luis Castillo over the weekend, the Mariners made another trade to bolster the edges of their roster as they pursue their first playoff berth since 2001.

The Mariners acquired veteran catcher Curt Casali and veteran lefthander Matthew Boyd from the Giants just before the trade deadline on Tuesday. In return, the Giants received two prospects in righthanded pitcher Michael Stryffeler and catcher Andy Thomas.

GIANTS RECEIVE

Michael Stryffeler, RHP
Age: 26

Signed out of the independent Frontier League in 2019, Stryffeler flourished with a move to the bullpen in the Mariners system and posted a 2.17 ERA in 76 appearances at Double-A over the last two seasons. Stryffeler has a two-pitch mix that profiles well in relief. His sits 95 mph and touches 97 with ride and throws his slider liberally, getting swings and misses with both pitches. He has an effortful delivery and below-average control, which limits his upside, but his pure stuff gives him a chance to pitch in low-leverage relief if he can throw more strikes.

Andy Thomas, C
Age: 24

The Mariners drafted Thomas in the fifth round last year as a senior sign out of Baylor. He hit .264/.400/.444 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs in 64 games at High-A Everett in his first full season this year. Thomas is a patient lefthanded hitter who controls the strike zone well. He has progressively added power and can drive an occasional home run, but he doesn’t project to be much of an offensive threat overall. Thomas is a solid defensive catcher behind the plate and has thrown out 27% of attempted basestealers this year. He is highly intelligent and has plans to become a lawyer after his playing career ends.

MARINERS RECEIVE

Curt Casali, C
Age: 33

Casali has been on the injured list with an oblique strain since early July, but when he returns he’ll provide the Mariners with a veteran backup catcher to pair with Cal Raleigh. Casali remains a strong defender who pitchers love throwing to. He ably guides pitchers through games and earns raves for his focus, professionalism and work ethic behind the plate. Though he’ll never be mistaken for a middle-of-the-order threat, Casali is a competent hitter who can slug the occasional home run and make pitchers pay for their mistakes. He’ll join the Mariners roster as soon as he gets healthy and will be a free agent after the season.

Matthew Boyd, LHP
Age: 31

Boyd had elbow surgery at the end of last year and has missed the entire 2022 season after suffering an elbow strain in his attempt to return, but he’s returned to throwing bullpens and could go on a rehab assignment soon. Boyd’s health will determine his role for the Mariners. He has been a starter his entire career and posted a 3.89 ERA in 15 starts for the Tigers last season before surgery. With the Mariners rotation set, he’s likely to be a multi-inning reliever when and if he returns or could work in short relief, particularly in big spots against lefthanded hitters. Everything depends on what Boyd’s stuff, control and durability look like when he returns. He will be a free agent after the season.