Luis Castillo trade rumors: New York Yankees now seen as favorites

Luis Castillo had a chance to make a strong impression upon the New York Yankees during his outing on Thursday night. Suffice to say he did exactly that.

While the Yankees did not have a barber waiting for him in the Cincinnati Reds’ clubhouse after the game, or steal his luggage in an attempt to keep him in New York, he may not be away for long. According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees have emerged as one of the favorites for Castillo’s services.

New York Yankees favorites for Luis Castillo…for now

Castillo fared well in his impromptu showcase for the Yankees. He held their powerful lineup to just one run on two hits and four walks over seven innings, striking out eight. It may not have been the cleanest of performances, but it was still impressive.

The Yankees do have limits as to what they will give up. They have refused to discuss moving either Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza, something that has not changed despite their pursuit of the Reds’ starter.

But that does not mean that other top prospects are off the table. The Yankees do have a pair of intriguing arms in Ken Waldichuk and Hayden Wesneski who are close to being major league ready. They would need to give up more than either of those arms in a trade, but that could begin the conversation.

There will be plenty of competition for Castillo’s services. The Dodgers have been making a push for the Reds’ starter as well. Plenty of other teams with an eye towards contending either this year or in 2023 will be picking up the phone to gauge the Reds’ asking price. It is hardly a foregone conclusion that he will end up on the Yankees, or that they will remain one of the favorites for his services tomorrow.

The New York Yankees have emerged as one of the favorites for Luis Castillo. His departure from the Bronx may not last long.