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The reds have would have asked the Yankees for shortstop Gleyber Torres and the prospects if New York is to acquire starting pitcher Luis Castillo in a trade.
Realistically, that would never happen, at least not this offseason, and Cincinnati probably realizes it. The club have chosen to project their strength not only to Brian Cashman, but also to other general managers in the league who may be eyeing Castillo. At this point, Cincinnati is not interested in considering reasonable offers.
Castillo would stay in the 2021 season would preserve the Reds’ playoff ambitions. At 28, he’s in his prime and still under team control for another three years.
The right-hander could be underrated nationally because of the excellence of his teammates Sonny Gray and Trevor Bauer. He posted a 3.21 ERA in 2020 and struck out over 11 batters per nine innings. Its peripheral figures suggest that a one-year ERA below 3.00 is possible if not likely in the near future; his 2020 PIF was 2.65 and his expected ERA based on types of contact against him was 3.04. In other words, he threw better than his already stellar base stats would imply.
With Bauer leaving Cincinnati in free agency, the Reds have little incentive to give up Castillo.
The Reds have asked the Yankees for SS Gleyber Torres more in Castillo talks, as I just said on @MLBNetwork. This makes sense as both are young stars and Cincinnati needs an SS. The Yankees said no. It’s also not a surprise, now Castillo is most likely staying at Cincy.
– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 18, 2021
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Castillo would obviously be a difference factor for the Yankees who could change the course of a playoff series. He would give New York an ace behind Gerrit Cole without ordering money.
Torres, however, is a 24-year-old shortstop with two All-Star appearances in three years. As rare as a high-end starting pitcher may be, such a talented player at a top position on the court is even harder to achieve. He is practically untouchable in trade discussions.
The Reds (31-29 last year) could still change their tone and deal with Castillo at the deadline this year or beyond, but for now they’re happy where they are. Prospects away from MLB do nothing to help their pursuit of a playoff bid and therefore are less desirable centerpieces.
As much as it might anger Yankees fans, it’s probably the right frame of mind.
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