Proposed Reds trade sees Cincinnati reunite with $108 million three-time All-Star ace to create strong 1-2-3 punch with Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott

Proposed Reds trade sees Cincinnati reunite with $108 million three-time All-Star ace to create strong 1-2-3 punch with Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Reds surprised everyone when they made the playoffs last season, albeit they did get swept in the Wild Card by the Los Angeles Dodgers. So far, they've only made one big move this offseason by reuniting with Eugenio Suarez, but they still need one more star to truly contend.

Fansided’s Mark Powell proposes the Reds go with another reunion, and make a deal with the Seattle Mariners for Luis Castillo. Castillo was a former star for the Reds, and would definitely elevate their rotation to another level.

MORE: Braves predicted to part ways with $16 million 29 SV closer after extending Chris Sale

“Is there a more consistent pitcher in baseball than Luis Castillo? The answer to that question is no. As Castillo has aged, he's learned how to pitch without his best stuff. Castillo has had an ERA under 4.00 every season since 2018. That is unheard of, especially since he doesn't have especially dominating stuff. What Castillo can do is pitch around the corners, and he'd be an asset to most pitching staffs. That makes it all the more confusing why he was mentioned in trade rumors this winter…But not every team can be so lucky. Castillo's former team, the Cincinnati Reds, made the playoffs last season. They have done little to improve the roster since then. I don't believe a reunion with Castillo is likely, but if they want to challenge the Cubs and Brewers in the NL Central, Cincinnati ought to consider bringing back an old friend,” Powell wrote.

This past season, Castillo posted a 11-8 record, a 3.54 ERA, 162 Ks, and a 1.185 WHIP over 180 innings pitched. He would round the front end of the rotation with Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott, and give the Reds arguably the best rotation in the NL Central.

MORE: Braves predicted to cut ties with $20 million Gold Glove after 2026 season due to Chris Sale extension

Castillo has two years left on his five-year, $105 million deal, with a vesting option for 2028. This means the Reds could have a three-time All-Star pitcher for a relatively cheap price for at least two years. 

If the Reds truly want to make a run in the playoffs, this is a move they need to consider. With all the other teams in their division truly getting better, they cannot be left behind.