MLB Rumors: Reds Now Putting 2 Starters On Trade Block

The teardown in Cincinnati is apparently not over yet. Everyone has known about the availability of Reds starter Luis Castillo for months. But now, according to veteran MLB Insider Peter Gammons, they're also putting Tyler Mahle out there for a potential deal.

Tales:Some club people say Reds now willing to talk Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, Dodgers will move David Price to give him starting opportunity and two GMs today said A’s won’t trade Frankie Montas for at least two months. The Montas chase will be the running of the bulls.

— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) May 9, 2022

#Reds fans are in for a rude awakening if you think you can easily upgrade over Mahle.

Since 2020, there’s 200 pitchers with 100 IP, Mahle ranks 23rd in all of MLB with with a 5.5 fWAR

Ranks 13th in K’s, 3.76 FIP, 10.52 K/9, 253 IP in 48 starts (5.2 IP per start)

— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) May 8, 2022

Although Mahle is certainly off to a slow start this season, with a 1-4 record, a 6.46 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, he has been one of the better, and more durable starters in baseball over the past couple of years. Mahle ranks 13th in the majors in strikeouts since 2020, and with a 5.5 fWAR, ranks in the Top 25 of all starters in that important category. 

Castillo owns a 3.73 ERA in his 6-year career, and just made his first start of the season Monday night. 

The Reds own the worst record in baseball, at 6-23, and it appears things might get even more challenging if they are to trade their top 2 starters.

Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK