The Cincinnati Reds turned heads last season by clinching a playoff spot, although their journey was cut short by a sweep in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the offseason unfolds, the Reds have made headlines with one major move: bringing back Eugenio Suarez. Yet, to truly elevate their game, they might need another significant addition.
A compelling suggestion comes from the idea of rekindling their connection with Luis Castillo, currently with the Seattle Mariners. Castillo, a former standout for the Reds, could be the missing piece to enhance their pitching rotation significantly.
Luis Castillo has proven to be one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball. Despite not having overpowering stuff, he's mastered the art of pitching with precision, maintaining an ERA under 4.00 every season since 2018. His ability to work the corners makes him a valuable asset for any team, and it's puzzling why he was ever part of trade discussions this winter.
Last season, Castillo showcased his skills with an 11-8 record, a 3.54 ERA, 162 strikeouts, and a 1.185 WHIP over 180 innings. Adding him to a rotation with Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott could give the Reds a formidable trio, potentially the best in the NL Central.
With two years remaining on his five-year, $105 million contract, including a vesting option for 2028, Castillo offers the Reds a chance to secure a three-time All-Star at a reasonable cost. If Cincinnati is serious about making a deep playoff run, revisiting their history with Castillo might be the strategic move they need. As division rivals continue to bolster their rosters, the Reds can't afford to stand still.