MLB Trade Rumors: Luis Castillo Drawing Interest; Reds 'Willing to Engage' In Talks

The Cincinnati Reds are "willing to engage in talks" about a trade involving Luis Castillo, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network added that Cincinnati might be open to moving "anyone making significant dollars," with Castillo referenced as a possible candidate. The right-hander is projected to receive $7.5 million for the 2022 season, per Spotrac.

Because he's headed for arbitration for the next two offseasons, Castillo will probably make less than he would earn if he were on the open market right now. Nevertheless, that cost might be too high for the Reds, who aren't being very subtle about their priorities.

Cincinnati traded Tucker Barnhart and his $7.75 million salary in 2022 to the Detroit Tigers. Explaining the move, general manager Nick Krall said the franchise "must align our payroll to our resources."

The front office followed up by waiving Wade Miley rather than picking up his $10 million option. The southpaw landed with an NL Central rival, the Chicago Cubs.

At this point, a Castillo trade might be inevitable.

The 28-year-old started a bit slowly in 2021 but finished with a 3.98 ERA and a 3.75 FIP in 33 appearances, per FanGraphs. He watched his strikeout rate climb from 8.4 per nine innings in the first half to 10.2 per nine in the second.

If the Reds are committed to tanking, then now is the time to trade Castillo. His two years of team control should allow Cincinnati to get a healthy return, and the free-agent market might help Krall's position at the bargaining table.

Max Scherzer is the unquestioned top pitcher available, but his age (37) may limit his pool of suitors. Then there is a good group of starters (Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw among others) who either is not a proven ace or doesn't have question marks about his health.

For teams aiming to strengthen their starting rotation, pursuing Castillo in a trade might be better than dipping into free agency.