The Cincinnati Reds had an exciting 2021 MLB season despite missing the playoffs.
It was a step in the right direction for the organization, and the Reds are going to try to take another leap in 2022.
But if that’s going to happen, the team needs to have a busy offseason.
Well, buckle up, because it looks like that might already be starting.
According to a report, Cincinnati is exploring the trade market for right-handed starter Luis Castillo.
Trade market news: #Reds RHP Luis Castillo, who had a 2.73 ERA from June 1 onward, already is drawing interest from teams across @MLB. The Reds are willing to engage in talks on the 28-year-old, who will be eligible for free agency after ‘23. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2021
If traded, where might the 28-year-old land?
Here are a few possibilities.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are still trying to crack the postseason with Bryce Harper.
The superstar has been with the organization for three seasons, and the Phillies have no playoff bids to show for it.
If that’s going to change, the team’s starting rotation needs to be addressed.
Philadelphia’s starters posted a very underwhelming 4.25 ERA during the 2021 campaign, ranking 19th in all of baseball.
It was one of the many reasons the team missed the postseason.
Castillo would bring a lot to the table for the Phillies.
He pitched to a 3.98 ERA and 3.75 FIP over 33 starts in 2021.
2. Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners got very close to making the postseason this past season, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
A point of emphasis this offseason needs to be the starting rotation, as it was a major weak spot for the club in 2021.
Castillo seems like a very interesting option.
We just touched on his overall numbers this past season, but take a look at how good he was over the final few months of the season: 2.69 ERA, 3.32 FIP, .686 opponent OPS over final 20 outings.
Amazingly, he allowed eight earned runs in one outing during that stretch, and his overall numbers were still fabulous.
Luis Castillo, Sick 89mph Changeup…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/XdQcGGTnQC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 26, 2021
That’s the type of player Castillo is capable of being, and Seattle could use a guy with a high ceiling.
We’ll see if the Mariners insert themselves into the sweepstakes.
1. Los Angeles Angels
Is this the offseason the Los Angeles Angels finally build a contending team?
If it feels like we’ve been asking ourselves this question for years, that’s because we have.
But the Angels are seemingly serious about getting Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani some help this winter.
Only time will tell if that ends up being the case.
As far as Castillo goes, L.A. seems like a really solid potential landing spot for him.
The Angels’ rotation had a brutal 2021 season, pitching to a combined ERA of 4.78.
There are some nice rotation pieces in place, but it’s not enough yet.
Adding Castillo would be a step in the right direction, however.
Castillo’s worst season came in 2018 when he posted a 4.30 ERA over 31 outings.
Even if he were to post that type of production in 2022, it’d still be an upgrade over some of L.A.’s current rotation options.
Besides, seeing that sort of campaign from Castillo in 2022 would be surprising.
It seems more likely that he’s going to continue producing very good numbers next season.
For his career, he has a 3.72 ERA and 3.76 FIP.
NEXT: 2 Players Reds Must Retain This Offseason To Contend In 2022