3 moves for the Cincinnati Reds this offseason
By David Hill
Be patient when it comes to Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo is the Cincinnati Reds’ best trade chip. They cannot afford to just give him away.
2021 was really a tale of two seasons for the Reds’ ace. He had a miserable start to the season, with a 7.22 ERA and a 1.777 WHiP at the end of May. However, from that point on, he pitched like the top of the rotation arm he can be, making his overall numbers far more palatable.
Castillo has been the type of arm that any contending team would want. Even at his worst, he has been a top of the rotation caliber arm, a solid second to third starter. At best, he is a staff ace, someone that can head up almost any rotation in the game.
That is how the Reds should be marketing him. He is someone who does not give up many homers, takes the ball every fifth day, and strikes out more than a batter an inning. When he is on, he is close to untouchable. If the Twins could get the type of haul they received for Jose Berrios, there is no reason why the Reds cannot do the same with Castillo.
There will be a robust trade market for Luis Castillo. The Cincinnati Reds have to make sure that they stay patient and get the type of return they need for his services.