As the MLB trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, Aug. 2, speculation has steadily increased that the Cincinnati Reds will move Luis Castillo and the Oakland Athletics would look to part with Frankie Montas.
Both teams are well outside of the postseason picture — even with the expanded format that’s been implemented — and heading toward losing seasons. That is coupled with several teams likely being in the market for a starting pitcher.
The Los Angeles Dodgers rotation has managed to forge ahead despite Clayton Kershaw missing time earlier this season, and Walker Buehler and Andrew Heaney both currently on the 15-day injured list.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers are among the teams that have discussed a Castillo trade with the Reds, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
Sources: #Dodgers and #Reds have had preliminary trade conversations about RHP Luis Castillo. Many clubs are showing interest in Castillo, of course. Long way to go before Aug. 2 trade deadline, but Dodgers are definitely involved. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 11, 2022
The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have been connected to Castillo trade rumors over recent weeks as well.
In addition to being an elite pitcher, Castillo is an attractive trade candidate due to being under team control via a final year of salary arbitration through the 2023 season.
Castillo is 3-4 this season with a 2.92 ERA that would mark a career-best. The one-time All-Star has spent the entirety of his MLB career with the Reds since being traded to the team in January 2017. Castillo originally was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an international free agent in December 2011.
How a Luis Castillo trade would impact Dodgers
On the surface, the Dodgers starting rotation should continue to flourish without the possible addition of Castillo. Buehler is expected to return later this season and Dustin May should arrive ahead of him.
However, adding Castillo to a strong group would provide some insurance in the event Buehler or May are delayed or struggle, and also make for more flexibility. The Dodgers have already demonstrated a willingness — if not preference — to shift May into the bullpen come the playoffs.
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