Yankees Trade Rumors: Luis Castillo Among New York's Targets, Reds' Asking Price Would Be High

A new name has emerged in the New York Yankees’ pursuit to add a starting pitcher. The organization is targeting Cincinnati Reds’ ace Luis Castillo, according to Chris Moore of CBS Sports Radio Network and WFAN.

Moore tweeted Tuesday morning that Castillo wouldn’t come cheap, considering he’s been among MLB’s best pitchers this season and is only 26 years old. Castillo is under team control through the 2023 season and not even eligible for arbitration until 2021.

It’s unknown exactly how motivated the Reds might be to deal the budding star—probably not very—before the July 31 trade deadline. Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier and top-ranked prospects Estevan Florial and Deivi Garcia would likely have to be involved in trade talks.

The Reds are tied for last place in the NL Central with a 36-40 record, though they only trail the Chicago Cubs by six games for first place. Cincinnati hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2013 season.

@yankees targeting Luis Castillo of Reds I'm hearing. 26, under control thru 2023, breakout year, it will take young talent plus to get him. They have that. Comes down to their evaluation and what else falls thru or doesn't.
— Chris Moore (@mooretosay) June 25, 2019

The Yankees are starting to create some separation between themselves and the rest of the AL East. New York is five games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays and nine games in front of the Boston Red Sox. A recent hot streak has put the team a half-game behind the Minnesota Twins for the best record in the American League.

New York has been one of the best teams in baseball with a top offense and an elite backend of the bullpen. The rotation could certainly use improvement, especially in October.

The likes of Madison Bumgarner, Zack Wheeler, Trevor Bauer and Marcus Stroman have been linked to the Yankees in rumors. All of those players would cost New York less than a trade for Castillo since none of them are signed beyond the end of the 2020 season.

Castillo has a 3.55 ERA in 350.1 career innings. He’s almost certainly headed to this year’s All-Star Game, ranking second in the NL with a 2.56 ERA and first with 5.7 hits allowed per nine innings.

Castillo‘s 49 walks lead the NL. His 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings are a career high in his third major-league season.