Cincinnati Reds: 3 potential landing spots for Luis Castillo

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The Cincinnati Reds have not displayed any inclination to trade Luis Castillo at the deadline this year. Yet.

That could change. As it is, Frankie Montas is considered the biggest name likely to be traded at the deadline. As he is currently on the Injured List, teams may be looking for other options. The Reds phone line could be ringing until August 2 with offers for Castillo.

Three possible landing spots for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo

It is possible that the Reds will get an offer they cannot refuse. While they may not want to say it, they are clearly rebuilding. Although Castillo is under team control through next year, it is difficult to envision that the Reds will spend the type of money needed to sign him to a long term deal. A trade may be more likely than they want to admit.

Plenty of teams are going to be interested in Luis Castillo if the Cincinnati Reds make him available. Let’s look at three possible landing spots.

San Diego Padres

The Padres almost had Luis Castillo before. He was part of the deal that would have sent Colin Rea to the Marlins only for that trade to be reversed when it was discovered that Rea was damaged goods.

Now, six years later, the Padres may finally land their long-coveted arm. They have been looking to add depth to their rotation especially as there is not much left in the upper minors due to trades. Castillo would clearly be more than a depth piece and would potentially allow them to deal one of their other arms, as has been rumored, in an attempt to free up money against the luxury tax for other additions.

Even with those previous trades and promotions to the majors, the Padres do have several top prospects. They had indicated a willingness to attach one of them to either Eric Hosmer or Wil Myers to facilitate a trade and could be willing to move those pieces to land that needed pitcher. Castillo would certainly be worth those pieces.

The Padres have coveted Luis Castillo for years. They will likely be one of the top pursuers should the Cincinnati Reds make him available.

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins

The Cincinnati Reds already sent one pitcher to the Twins when they traded Sonny Gray to the Twins. Why not another deal?

Despite the White Sox unexpected implosion and the weakness of the Tigers and Royals, the Twins are not exactly running away with the Central. The Guardians are hanging tough and had even taken command of the division briefly before falling back.

The Twins could certainly use another upgrade in the rotation. Dylan Bundy has been a disappointment. Chris Archer has disappointed and is on the Injured List. Bailey Ober and Chris Paddack are also on the IL, with Paddack lost for the season. All told, ten different pitchers have made a start for the Twins with differing degrees of success.

Castillo would give Minnesota something they desperately need – a top of the rotation arm that can potentially make an impact in the postseason. Joe Ryan may have a solid future ahead of him, as does Josh Winder, but neither are ready to be the Twins’ ace yet. If they are going to end their 18 game postseason losing streak, they will need to have someone that can be a stopper.

The Minnesota Twins have a few holes on the roster but their lack of an ace could be their biggest issue. It is time to place a call to the Cincinnati Reds for Luis Castillo.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

This was supposed to be the year that the Toronto Blue Jays took a step forward. Instead, they have fallen back to the pack.

It is clear to see where the issues are in the rotation. Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman have been stellar. Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi have not. Ross Stripling has done a solid job stepping in for Hyun-Jin Ryu but is not known for continuing that level of success over an extended period of time.

Bringing Luis Castillo in from the Cincinnati Reds would be similar to their acquisition of Berrios last year. He would also have another year of team control left, allowing the Blue Jays plenty of time to attempt to sell him on the team and the atmosphere.

Not only would Castillo give the Blue Jays another top of the rotation arm, but such a trade would keep one away from their competitors for a Wild Card berth. In this case, with so many teams battling for those playoff spots, keeping Castillo away from the competition may be a viable incentive to get that deal to happen.

The Toronto Blue Jays need help in their rotation. Luis Castillo would be a perfect addition.

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