KEY POINTS

  • Luis Castillo may be an interesting prospect for MLB teams
  • The Giants and Twins are among teams that could make sense for Castillo
  • The Red may listen to offers for Luis Castillo to keep their finances at an acceptable level

The Cincinnati Reds are aware they need to shed off some salary, and this may only be done if they part with some players.

One name that has been buzzing is Luis Castillo.

The 29-year-old pitcher is coming off a good season, but financial-related issues have been singled out as a possible reason for him to be dealt with a new MLB team.

That would have happened in the offseason, but nothing transpired.

With the MLB trade deadline happening on August 2, interest in the All-Star pitcher could heat up.

Castillo led the MLB in losses and walks last year, a reason why most speculated he could be a player that teams would go after.

The Dominican baseball player is seen as someone whose career is on the rise, enough to possibly tempt other clubs to look into his availability.

Several teams could use a promising pitcher who is still in his arbitration years. However, any offer would still depend on what the Reds would be getting for the talented pitcher.

Among the teams who could take interest in Castillo include the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants.

The Rays could use a starting pitcher in the caliber of Castillo, someone who carries a low salary plus an extra year they could keep until 2024.

Like the Reds, this move could make sense if they are also inclined to make sure that their payroll is kept low.

The Braves could get a boost from Castillo if they intend to get their starting lineup going. Taking in a starting pitcher could make sense, someone who is nearing his 30s.

The Twins could use a change of player for the position with things not working with Dylan Bundy.

In addition, taking Castillo in would reunite him with a former Reds pitcher in Sonny Gray.

The Mets were linked to Castillo but eventually settled for Chris Bassitt.

But if New York wants to improve their rotation, the All-Star pitcher would be worth considering.

For the Giants, adding Castillo would be a huge boost if the team is looking for legitimacy.

Considering that San Francisco is also careful on spending but manages to be competitive, Castillo would be a plausible addition to the Twins’ rotation.

 Luis Castillo #58 of the Cincinnati Reds
Luis Castillo #58 of the Cincinnati Reds Getty Images | Vaughn Ridley