MLB Trade Rumors: Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas 'Almost Certainly' Will Be Dealt

Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas are reportedly the most likely star-level pitchers to be dealt ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported both pitchers will "almost certainly" be traded before the Aug. 2 cutoff date.

Castillo is fresh off his second All-Star appearance but has not been able to prop up a Reds team that's sitting at 37-59. He is 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.08 WHIP this season, striking out 82 batters in 78 innings.

Montas has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to the winter as the Athletics engage in yet another roster teardown. The righty is 4-9 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 109 strikeouts in 104.2 innings for the 37-63 A's.

Both pitchers are under team control through the 2023 season. That will make them attractive to opposing teams, given they should get at least a season-plus of work before they hit free agency.

The number of teams looking for starting pitching help at the deadline is anything but small. The New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres are all reportedly among that group.

Each of the teams mentioned has a legitimate shot at winning a World Series if things break right. Adding an All-Star-caliber pitcher to their rotation will go a long way toward making that October dream come true.

Expect a bit of a bidding war as the deadline approaches.