Henry Roldán
With the trade deadline looming, Luis Castillo‘s departure from the Cincinnati Reds by August 2 looks imminent.
The Dominican starter, who is under contract until 2023, is the best pitcher available on the trade market before the trade deadline, and here is a list of the five teams that have shown the most interest in his services.
Teams Interested in Acquiring Luis Castillo in MLB 2022
Seattle Mariners
After a 14-game winning streak, the Mariners have moved into the fight for the postseason, something they have not achieved since 2001.
To do so, they need to strengthen their starting pitching staff, which, while among the best in the circuit, has names like Chris Flexen and George Kirby that do not have much encouragement in the major leagues.
Having somebody like Luis Castillo along with Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, and Marco González would be an important plus for Seattle, an organization that has interesting names like Noelvi Marte and Jarred Kelenic to negotiate a trade with the Reds.
Toronto Blue Jays
Like the Mariners, Toronto is fighting hard to return to the postseason for the second time in six seasons and is currently one of the American League wild cards.
Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman have done very well for the Blue Jays, but José Berríos’ disappointment and Hyun Jin Ryu’s injury means the organization must go for a starter.
Although Gabriel Moreno does not appear to be a trade option, Toronto has other names such as Orelvis Martínez or Nate Pearson, which could open the door to a major move for Luis Castillo.
Houston Astros
The Astros are headed to their sixth consecutive postseason and to win the American League they need to have great power in their rotation.
Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez are guarantees for Dusty Baker’s ninth team, but Luis García, Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, and Jake Odorizzi have been inconsistent this season.
Castillo’s arrival would be of great help to one of the best teams in the young circuit, plus it could be soothing if Verlander does not stay with the organization for next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
While starting pitching should not be a priority for the Dodgers in the trade market, they are always in the discussion for the best players, and it is a real possibility that they will take Luis Castillo.
While Clayton Kershaw and Luis Urías are having a good season, Los Angeles does not know how Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson will continue to produce, while Walker Buehler will not return until the end of the year.
In addition to bench depth and relief, the two aspects to be strengthened by the team, adding Castillo seems to be an objective of the management, especially if we take into account the arsenal of prospects they have in the minors.
New York Yankees
After Luis Severino’s injury, the Yankees need more starting pitching than ever if they want to continue their regular round success into the postseason.
Gerrit Cole and Néstor Cortés are guarantees, but there are doubts about what Jordan Montgomery and Jameson Taillon can do when the October pressure comes.
Like the Dodgers, the Yankees have the talent to negotiate a trade with the Reds to acquire the best pitcher available on the current market.
