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Should The Reds Trade Any Of Their High-End Starters?

By Anthony Franco | January 18, 2022 at 6:27pm CDT

It wasn’t an encouraging start to the winter for Reds fans. After trading Tucker Barnhart and waiving Wade Miley in moves that amounted to little more than salary dumps, general manager Nick Krall famously spoke of “aligning … payroll to our resources.” That hinted at a lack of forthcoming additions, and indeed, the Reds have yet to sign a free agent to a major league deal this offseason.

That said, the Reds haven’t yet orchestrated a sell-off. Barnhart’s a well-respected veteran backstop, but Tyler Stephenson is ready to assume an everyday role. It’s harder to defend cutting Miley, controllable via $10MM club option and coming off a 163-inning, 3.37 ERA season. Yet the soft-tossing Miley is always walking a fine line relying on weak, ground-ball contact. If his run prevention regresses closer to last season’s 4.52 SIERA, that option price would be more reasonable than an immense bargain.

Krall predictably didn’t offer specifics about the franchise’s payroll target for 2022. Currently, they’re projected for $115MM in player expenditures, including estimated salaries for arbitration-eligible players (via Jason Martinez of Roster Resource). That’s a touch shy of last year’s season-opening $122MM mark (according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts). Perhaps the Reds have already “aligned” their payroll by parting with Barnhart and Miley and letting Nick Castellanos hit free agency.

If the Reds were either looking to cut costs or add some young talent to the organization, the most straightforward way to do so would be by further subtracting from the rotation. Cincinnati’s top three starters — Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle and Sonny Gray — are all under club control through 2023 (assuming free agency trajectory isn’t affected by the new collective bargaining agreement). And unlike some other Reds with notable salaries (i.e. Mike Moustakas, Eugenio Suárez) whom the Reds might want to trade, the rotation members should be in high demand around the league.

Luis Castillo

Castillo, projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $7.6MM salary in his penultimate arbitration season, tossed 187 2/3 innings with a 3.98 ERA last year. That was his highest mark in three years, but the 29-year-old found his footing after a tough start. He posted a 2.73 ERA from June onwards, with his generally excellent combination of strikeouts (26%) and grounders (59.9%).

Simply ignoring the first two months of the season, when Castillo had an awful 7.22 ERA and subpar 19.3% strikeout percentage, is obviously simplistic. Yet the right-hander’s three-year track record is excellent, and he possesses a fantastic arsenal. Owner of one of baseball’s best changeups and a fastball that averages north of 97 MPH, Castillo seems the most likely of the Reds starters to offer top-of-the-rotation production over the next two years. He’s been the subject of trade rumors in each of the last two offseasons, but reports about the team’s willingness to make him available have varied.

Tyler Mahle

As with Castillo, it’s not clear how willing the Reds seem to be to trade Mahle. He hasn’t been the subject of as many rumors as his top rotation mates this winter. Yet there’d be plenty of appeal if Cincinnati were amenable to moving him. At 27, he’s the youngest of the Reds top trio of starters. Projected for a $5.6MM salary in his second-to-last arbitration year, he’s likely to be the most affordable. And one could make the case he’s coming off the best 2021 campaign of the three.

Mahle’s 3.75 ERA was lower than either of Castillo’s or Gray’s marks. His 27.7% strikeout rate and 8.4% walk percentage bettered the others’ respective figures. He’s not the elite ground-ball guy those others are, but Mahle looks to have made the leap to quality mid-rotation arm over the past two seasons.

Mahle misses bats with both his mid-90s heater and his two secondary pitches — a cutter-slider and a split. The development of the latter offering has proven especially useful in helping the right-hander overcome platoon troubles, as he leans somewhat frequently on the split when facing left-handed batters. After giving up a massive .290/.384/.547 line when at a platoon disadvantage through his first three MLB seasons, he’s held southpaws to a pitiful .194/.280/.306 mark since the start of 2020.

Sonny Gray

Gray is playing out the 2022 campaign on a $10.667MM contract, and he’s controllable for 2023 via $12.5MM club option. That makes him the costliest of the Reds starters, yet it’s still an obvious bargain for a pitcher who has been as effective as Gray has since landing in Cincinnati.

The right-hander has posted above-average strikeout and ground-ball marks in all three of his seasons with the Reds. Gray may not have quite as pristine of control as Castillo or Mahle possess, but his walk rates aren’t all that concerning. Last year’s 4.19 ERA is more fine than great, but he posted respective 2.87 and 3.70 marks over the two prior seasons. And the 32-year-old Gray was among the sport’s best pitchers at suppressing hard contact, with the Reds mediocre team defense perhaps explaining a bit of a gap between his actual ERA and estimators like FIP, SIERA and xERA — all of which pegged his performance between 3.25 and 3.99.

On the surface, Gray looks like the pitcher the Reds might be most willing to make available. Trading him would knock more money off the books than would a Castillo or Mahle deal, perhaps freeing some room for the front office to address needs in the outfield and/or bullpen. Yet Castillo or Mahle would probably pull stronger returns if they were moved. Trading Gray alone be something of a half-measure: not enough to bring in an influx of impact young talent, while further weakening a roster that finished marginally above .500 last season and has lost or is likely to lose both Miley and Castellanos.

Krall and his staff seem to be in a difficult spot, overseeing a roster that looks a bit shy of contention but without the financial backing to fix its most glaring deficiencies. How they choose to proceed with their trio of high-end starters is yet to be determined, but there’s a compelling argument to move any of the group, as well as a sound case for keeping the entire rotation intact. After all, with two years of control apiece, they should each still be in demand (barring injury) if the team is sputtering by next summer’s trade deadline.

We’ll let MLBTR readers weigh in on the situation. How should the Reds proceed coming out of the lockout?

(poll link for app users)

 

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Trade Candidate: Ian Happ
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96 Comments

  1. The Baseball Fan

    3 years ago

    Trade Sonny. He was a bad Don anyways

    9
    Reply
    • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

      3 years ago

      The Reds should trade Sonny and all of their high end starters. They aren’t going to win a world series with them. Trading them would only help them win a world series sooner. I would say they should keep them if they are really going to go for it. They didn’t even make the playoffs last year and the team is only getting worse. If they are concerned about money they need as many young, long-term team control good players as they can get. If they value Wade Miley as sunk cost they can’t win unless they totally redo the way this team is built.

      7
      Reply
      • stymeedone

        3 years ago

        Reds should keep all three just to spite everyone who wants them traded to their favorite team, not because it will help the Reds. Their best chance to win is by keeping the starters.

        5
        Reply
        • The Baseball Fan

          3 years ago

          But winning might not be the path that’s best for them. A rebuild might be better

          1
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          They need revenue, and a rebuild won’t increase attendance, concessions, or merchandise sales. If their team was aging, ok. But its essentially a young team, with more talent soon ready. No need to rebuild.

          2
          Reply
      • smuzqwpdmx

        3 years ago

        If MLB gets the 14 team playoff structure they want, the Reds could win the world series with the same record as last year. Or worse.

        You know the playoff team with the worst record won it all last year.

        3
        Reply
        • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

          3 years ago

          I don’t think the Reds stand much of a chance at making the playoffs even if 14 teams go. The Giants, Dodgers, Padres, Brewers, Cardinals, Braves, Mets and Phillies all look much more likely and not even all of them can make it. If the Reds were really going to try they needed to keep Miley on that cheap contract instead of giving him away for nothing. The team that won it last year did it by becoming a totally different team after the trade deadline. They added 5 players and over $30 million in salary at the deadline just to give them a chance. After cutting Miley to save $10 million does anyone really see the Reds being willing to add $30 million somewhere else? The Reds very clearly value saving even a little payroll money over winning games right now. That’s not a good formula for winning. This team is not talented enough for them to try and walk the line between saving money and winning at the same time. Very few teams are. The Rays and the Brewers are the only 2 I can think of right now and they are both far better than the Reds. Running back through with this Reds roster again next year is just going to make it harder and take longer for them to have a good chance to win another year that might actually matter. Some Reds fans have been saying for 2 years now that the Reds need to keep pushing their chips in to win now. They weren’t going to win in 2020. They weren’t going to win last season. They aren’t going to win next season. They need to do what they can to give fans hope they might win in a couple seasons instead of trying to create this mirage that even after cutting payroll and being stuck with bad contracts like Moose this team that is worse than it has been in years is all of a sudden going to contend for a championship. They could stand a real shot in 2024. Maybe even 2023 if they get the right players in trades. They shouldn’t blow those chances by trying to win with this team again in 2022 when everyone knows it’s not happening.

          3
          Reply
      • redsorbust

        3 years ago

        Agreed! I have been preaching this for a long time. Either rebuild, (imagine the haul for all three SP) or keep all three and spend some money and go for it. I can’t speak for all Reds fans of course but I could take a couple of years of 90+ losses if it meant a REAL chance at competing for the playoffs and beyond. Stop placating the fans with a .500 team and keeping toes, fingers and eyes crossed somehow someway we make a wildcard.

        1
        Reply
        • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

          3 years ago

          I agree redsorbust. I do think it’s sad because the Reds really did have enough talent with Miley still on the roster to at least have a core. If they had kept Miley and decided to spend more money than they ever had before they really would stand a chance. Instead they were spreading that money out and spending it on years like 2019 and 2020 when they shouldn’t have. Especially not to get players like Puig, Wood and one season of Trevor Bauer. I feel bad for the Reds fans. Their majority owner is the poorest majority owner in all of MLB. He’s only worth $400 million. Several players like A-Rod, Trout, Betts and probably even Lindor are worth more than the Reds owner once you count the money still owed to them. It’s hard to compete against so many multi-billionaires when you aren’t even worth half a billion. That’s why they need to make sure they save their money for the years they REALLY have a serious shot and use the rest of the years to build up prospects.

          Honestly, imagine what the Refs could get for all 3 of Grey, Mahle and Castillo. They could get a ton and demand they are all very highly regarded at or near major league ready prospects. I imagine they could get at least 4 top triple-A starting pitching prospects along with at least 2 or 3 top triple-A position player prospects. They would all be coming up around the same time so it wouldn’t be impossible for this team to have 6 or 7 new young great players added to the roster before next season is even over. They would be able to compete very soon with all those young stud players. As early as 2023 and this time for a true championship. Or they could try and package Grey and Senzel with Moose and still get a very good high level prospect in return. That would save them over $40 million and they would still probably get a much better player than Senzel. Then flip Mahle for the top 2 or 3 prospects from one team. Then do the same with Castillo for another team. That would be 5-7 top MLB ready prospects plus over $50 million every year worth of payroll space freed up. They might be worse as a team in 2022 but I could see them being a lot better, younger and cheaper for 2023 and beyond. Mahle and Castillo have so much trade value right now but they are only losing trade value and team control the longer they wait to trade them. If they aren’t going to spend the money to win now they are doing a disservice to their own fan base by not at least acquiring the great young prospects to win in the future. I’ve rooted for some teams that always do what’s nessecary to hang around .500. Those are the worst teams to root for. You know they aren’t going to win now and you know they aren’t going to win anytime in the even relatively near future.

          2
          Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      3 years ago

      @TBF
      God rest his soul

      Reply
  2. ajrodz1335

    3 years ago

    Rays should invest in Reds starters.

    3
    Reply
    • redsorbust

      3 years ago

      Hey. I posted on Rays chatboard because there was one of your writers that posted a possible trade for Castillo. I posted the return for Castillo was too light. I got a response saying Rays had plenty of good SP even better than Castillo and did not need to give up top prospects for him.

      Reply
  3. HalosHeavenJJ

    3 years ago

    Complete rebuild, trade all three.

    Trying to make a run at a Wild Card: trade Gray for an MLB ready piece and a solid prospect, take the savings and reinvest in areas of need.

    2
    Reply
  4. RedLegJason

    3 years ago

    Doesn’t matter what they SHOULD do. What Reds ownership and front office WILL do is continue to make stupid decisions that keep the Reds squarely in the middle/bottom of the NL Central all while believing that they’re “contenders.”

    (Bitter Reds fan, if you couldn’t tell)

    8
    Reply
  5. baines03

    3 years ago

    “High end”?

    Reply
  6. bus035

    3 years ago

    I think Sonny Gray to the M’s for Adam Macko and another prospect will be one of the first transactions announced after the CBA. This rumor has has legs for 2 months.

    Reply
    • toycannon

      3 years ago

      As a Mariners fan, I hope not. If they must have another SP, then sign one of the remaining free agents or bring Kikuchi back. Don’t give up any prospects.

      Reply
  7. Edp007

    3 years ago

    Castillo would fit nice in the Jay’s rotation. Wonder what it would take ?

    1
    Reply
    • Dustyslambchops23

      3 years ago

      Moreno, Lourdes and Pearson

      But that would be a steep price and an all in move that Shapiro probably wouldn’t do.

      Reply
      • Edp007

        3 years ago

        Exchange Grichuk for Gurriel, throw something meh back (senzel etc) got a deal

        Reply
  8. Oddvark

    3 years ago

    They need to make a plan for the future, that encompasses 2022 and the next 4-5 seasons, and follow through with it. And it should be a plan that realistically includes post-season contention at some point. Just trying to be somewhat competitive with a low budget approach on an ad hoc basis year after year isn’t getting the job done.

    2
    Reply
  9. redhaze1

    3 years ago

    Lions (1992) and the Reds (1995) are the two North American professional teams with the longest playoff win drought. The Reds need to be thoughtful with any trades. Why does a trade have to be for someone else’s prospects? If a team wants the Reds starters then give us a legit center fielder and a pitcher that could be a reliable closer. Players that are major league ready. The fans are dying to get to the playoffs.

    1
    Reply
    • 1984wasntamanual

      3 years ago

      Most teams that would be looking to acquire starters aren’t looking to also lose MLB players off their roster. That’s why you generally see MLB for prospect talent.

      2
      Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      3 years ago

      I’ve played around with a ton of Angels/Reds trades on the simulator. They match up fairly well.

      Adell, Marsh, Sandoval, Detmers, Canning are all MLB ready and cost controlled. Could step right onto the Reds.

      Reds have pitching and Farmer.

      Lots of iterations of trades in that group.

      3
      Reply
      • redsorbust

        3 years ago

        Agree! Angels and Rangers IMO are most need for SP. Think we could get the most back from either of them.

        Reply
  10. DarkSide830

    3 years ago

    I mean, are they going to try and compete or rebuild? They seem to not want to really do either, and I don’t see how to answer the question not knowing their direction.

    Reply
    • 1984wasntamanual

      3 years ago

      I have to agree with this. They tried to do the rebuild thing and then got impatient and started signing some questionable deals, then didn’t win and make the expected $ and/or got covid’d and immediately started to cut money. They need to figure out what their plan is then actually stick to it for more than a season.

      Reply
  11. 3768902

    3 years ago

    Castillo, Mahle, and Gray to Twins for Austin Martin, Trevor Larnach, Jhoan Duran, Jordan Balzowicz (sp?), and Max Kepler

    1
    Reply
  12. BirdieMan

    3 years ago

    What the Reds should do is, get back to the bargaining table with everyone else involved!

    1
    Reply
  13. saluelthpops

    3 years ago

    When did the Reds get high end starters?

    Reply
  14. to4

    3 years ago

    I’ll say keep them. Even though Castellanos bat is likely gone, they can still be a competitive line up if Aquino finds some of that break through and Akiyama could finally transfer some his Japan talent. to the MLB.

    1.Winker LF
    2.India 3B
    3.Votto 1B
    4.Suarez SS
    5.Moustakas DH
    6.Aquino RF
    7.Stephenson C
    8.Naquin CF
    9.Senzel 2B

    If they could only bring Castellanos back and add a 3rd tier SP, they could make a solid statement. Even without Castellanos, that is still a strong line up.

    Reply
    • hoyce

      3 years ago

      Damn u couldn’t be more wrong. India is not a 3B. Suarez def not a SS. And senzel won’t see 2B. But other than that…

      2
      Reply
      • casorgreener

        3 years ago

        Yeah that’s terrible. Makes me think he doesn’t even watch baseball

        1
        Reply
        • to4

          3 years ago

          I watch plenty.’, but I don’t make it the center of my universe!

          Reply
      • to4

        3 years ago

        Suarez has okayed SS before, India was originally a 3B if I’m not mistaken as so was Senzel. Now, that the Reds move them to 2B, is another story.

        Reply
        • mlb1225

          3 years ago

          He was okay at shortstop back in like 2014-2015.

          Reply
    • burtgummer

      3 years ago

      Aquino shouldn’t get another ab in a Reds uni

      Reply
    • redsorbust

      3 years ago

      Hi! A few too many if’s for me in this lineup. Package Moose/Castillo. $16m money saved we can have realistic chance of re signing Castellanos. We have two pitching prospects coming up hope can take up slack of losing Castillo.
      Winker. India. Votto. Castellanos. Stephenson, Suarez, Naquin, Aquino DH, Senzel.
      Moose a dead weight even at DH. Really need to see what Aquino can do with real playing time.

      Reply
  15. Dustyslambchops23

    3 years ago

    Reds are a great example of a team that should be spending money but is content on staying middle of the pack and driving their fanbase cookoo

    3
    Reply
  16. brewpackbuckbadg

    3 years ago

    Instead of voting I would like to play rock, paper, scissors, lizard, spock..

    4
    Reply
  17. Highest IQ

    3 years ago

    Merge with the Guardians.

    2
    Reply
  18. rangers13

    3 years ago

    Solak, Thompson, Duran, EWhite for Gray and Aquino Rangers add two lottery prospects if needed.

    Reply
  19. Jake1972

    3 years ago

    Go into full rebuild and draft properly while signing players that need a one or two year prove it contract and trade them if producing to stock the farm.

    I remember the Reds when they were Baseball tough team and you enjoyed watching them from Rose to Larkin days but today team is just a joke…

    1
    Reply
  20. Edp007

    3 years ago

    We’ve all heard the Freeman to the Jays talk.
    So which Canadian fits better with Canadian Vladdy. Freddie or Joey V.
    Freddie only costs $. But long commitment Joey V much cheaper only 2 years left plus player option 2024 only 20 mill.
    Love to see a blockbuster Castillo and Joey for whatever deemed fair trade by the teams.
    Good for baseball.

    Reply
    • Declanwxyz

      3 years ago

      Votto has said 100 times that he has no interest in waiving his no trade clause. He will be a Red for life.

      Reply
    • Dustyslambchops23

      3 years ago

      I just can’t see Jays bringing in a 1B or having a full time DH.

      The freeman rumors were probably just rumors to put pressure on the braves, especially considering Shapiro and AA don’t get along.

      Votto is amazing and I’ve always watching him in a Jays uniform but I sadly don’t see it happening

      Reply
    • BartoloHRball

      3 years ago

      I’m almost positive Votto has a full no trade. He has repeatedly said over the years he isn’t leaving Cinci….but like the idea bc the Reds aren’t all-in. Another middle of the pack disappointment is eminent.

      1
      Reply
  21. mike156

    3 years ago

    It’s too bad that baseball has moved into this business model, in which the perception is (and I’m assuming it’s backed up by hard numbers) that it’s better to be a 60 win team than a 83 win one. CBA negotiators….ask yourself can this possibly be good for baseball?

    Reply
  22. stymeedone

    3 years ago

    The Reds were more affected than most when Covid hit. They have a lower revenue stream than most and had to change direction when the big market teams voted to stop revenue sharing. Its not that they don’t have a plan. The plan had to change because they hadn’t factored in a pandemic.

    2
    Reply
    • ekrog

      3 years ago

      They should send the bill to our stupid politicians that made this mess.

      Reply
    • 1984wasntamanual

      3 years ago

      Why are they still cutting money then?

      Reply
  23. deweybelongsinthehall

    3 years ago

    While it’s possible for a non-big market club to win it all, only KC has in recent times done it. Sad for the sport but it’s a reality. On my view, they should see what the returns could bring and if they could secure talent they think could mature together, all of them should be traded. Even if they make the playoffs, can they beat the Dodgers, Giants and/or Braves followed by the best in the AL? I don’t think so.

    1
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      3 years ago

      In a short series? Sure. Why not? Once in, they have a chance. Your view seems to be that only big markets should try to win.

      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        3 years ago

        Not good for the sport but outside of Atlanta and KC, when was the last low to mid payroll team to win? Even the Marlins won with talent and then stripped the team down. As much as it would hurt my team, it would be best if there were floors and hard caps like other sports.

        Reply
    • dsett75

      3 years ago

      Maybe the smaller market teams should do it like KC did…….an outstanding, practically perfect bullpen. They’re tricky/fickle, but usually cheaper than other areas of the roster.

      Reply
  24. JoeBrady

    3 years ago

    Like Hammer said, and a couple of others intimated, the Reds have to decide whether or not they want to be competitive. Sign Story and a closer, and take your chances. Or sit on your hands and finish .500?

    If they won’t add anyone, the 2022 playoffs are a pretty big longshot. Trade all three guys for a significant haul. Keep everyone else, add Lodolo & Greene at some point. When the kids they get in trades are ready, they will still have enough current talent to be competitive.

    Like Miyagi said. go left or right, but not down the middle.

    1
    Reply
    • Armaments216

      3 years ago

      Actually the right play may be down the middle. And depends on the playoff system under a new CBA. They can stand pat for now and assess at the trade deadline.

      If they’re competitive then trade some prospects to fill in the holes. If not, there will be plenty of market for their starters, who may have even more value midseason due to the short supply.

      Reply
      • earmbrister

        3 years ago

        If this was a normal off-season, I’d agree with you Joe. But armaments has a point about waiting till the trade deadline to maximize value on a starting pitcher trade. And then Greene and/or Lodolo can be brought up midseason after spending more time at AAA. No to Story: play Jose Barrero everyday and find out what you got. Years ago the Reds trading away a 22 year old Didi you became a solid starting SS. JB needs to play and will at the least provide premium defense to a club that doesn’t have a strong defense up the middle.

        Generally agree that a middle of the road approach is not the answer.

        Reply
  25. Deadguy

    3 years ago

    The Reds really needed that playoff revenue

    I was shocked when they went after top dollar free agents then 2020 happened and yeah bad timing? Drafting and developing cost friendly team controllable pitching tallet is what the Reds need to do. Cardinals do it, Milwakee started doing it, where you at Cincinnati?

    Reply
  26. Beatles Fan

    3 years ago

    Why would the Reds get anything in value for SG? He’s only a couple of years younger than WM and is a RHer while WM is a LHer that had a lot better year. They’ve both been injured the last couple of years and both make 10 mil. How is sonny going to bring a haul and Wade couldn’t bring anything?

    Reply
    • dsett75

      3 years ago

      I don’t think Sonny will bring much which is why I wouldn’t mind Detroit getting him. They’ll get a lil something cuz he’s considered cheap, but not nearly as much as the other two. And I don’t understand their thinking on Miley unless I’ve missed something.

      Reply
      • cguy

        3 years ago

        The lockout.. None of Barnhart, Miley, or Castellanos would be with the Reds after this season anyway. If the lockout continues for several more months, the strategy becomes apparent. They reduced payroll by $33.5MM. While graduating India, Stephenson, Gutierrez, Barrero, Santillan to rookie status in 2021, they also improved their minor league system from 20th up to 10th. They’ve just put another very good International signing class in the books. After a new CBA is achieved, Reds can fill some holes or make a couple trades & reload for 2023-2024 seasons.

        Reply
        • 1984wasntamanual

          3 years ago

          Wouldn’t keeping Miley and trading him at the deadline be better for that plan?

          Reply
  27. jimmyz

    3 years ago

    Reds should keep all the starters and trade Moustakas and Suarez.

    Reply
    • dsett75

      3 years ago

      The problem is that nobody wants them. While everyone would like a SPer or two.

      Reply
      • jimmyz

        3 years ago

        Agreed but the Reds are toeing a fine line between contending and rebuilding. They have a group of “win now”, established vets in Votto, Suarez, Moustakas and the starters who are still young enough but nearing the end of their contracts. They also have building blocks to build a future contending team in India, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and to a lesser extent Nick Senzel. Maybe try to package one of Suarez or Moustakas with Mahle so the rotation doesn’t take the big hit of losing Castillo? I don’t know what the right move is but I do know that I don’t envy anyone working in that front office this offseason.

        Reply
    • ekrog

      3 years ago

      Selling low is a bad idea. It would cost the Reds prospects to move their contracts.

      Reply
  28. Moonlight Graham

    3 years ago

    As a Giants and Blue Jays fan, I’d love to see Gray go to either of those teams.

    But for the Reds… With Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo on the doorstep, they could keep all three and potentially have a formidable five-deep rotation in 2023. Meanwhile, if they can find a shortstop, add a bopper in the outfield, and figure out the closer role, this team might not be half-bad in a couple years.

    Although, between Moustakas and Suarez, I don’t know that the future at 3B is settled, either.

    1
    Reply
  29. dsett75

    3 years ago

    Only trade Gray. I wouldn’t mind the Tigers getting him to slot in behind E-Rod. He should cost less than the other two.

    Reply
  30. Yankee-4-Lifer 75

    3 years ago

    The Yankees should definitely trade for Castillo and stay as far away from Sonny Gray as possible. He can’t handle pitching in NY and would get lit up here again. Castillo on the other hand would probably thrive in NY. And a nice Dominican fan base in the Bronx. He would love it here. Nothing to play for in Cincinnati. It’s time for the Yankees to make a trade for a nice power arm.

    1
    Reply
    • ksoze

      3 years ago

      NY fans crack me up. You actually believe your own hype. “Can’t handle the pressure of NY” That’s absurd, not every player is a good fit for a team’s philosophy or team’s chemistry. With Gray NYY changed his pitch mix, and it led to disaster, that’s it, poor management.

      2
      Reply
      • Yankee-4-Lifer 75

        3 years ago

        @ksoze- glad to crack you up. Gray can go anywhere, just not the Yankees. It’s a proven fact. Just look at his stats while pitching for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium and pitching elsewhere. It’s nice to see Sonny have success somewhere. He’s a good guy.

        Reply
        • ksoze

          3 years ago

          @Yank I didn’t say Gray pitched well at Yankee stadium, I did say it’s not because the lights were to big. Tyler Mahle 21 season, 3.75 ERA, home ERA 5.63, Road ERA 2.30. The Cincinnati lights were not too big for Mahle,falling back on that cliché is just lazy. It’s shifts the blame from the organization to the player. No other team uses that excuse, and it happens to all of them.

          Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      The Yankees are not getting Castillo unless they are ready to trade Jasson Dominguez to the Reds.

      And, yes, neither the Yankees nor Sonny Gray want a reunion.

      Reply
      • Yankee-4-Lifer 75

        3 years ago

        @MannyBeingMVP- the Yankees have the pieces right now to trade for Castillo. They don’t have to trade Dominguez or Volpe for him either. Luis Gil is definitely a pitcher Cincinnati would have interest in. Everson Pereira is an outfielder with power and speed. Castillo had a “down year” last season, so this is definitely the time to trade for him for any team. The Red Sox should look into trading for him also.

        Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 years ago

          The Red Sox should look into trading for him also.
          ===========================
          I wanted him for a long time. I traded for him the past two seasons, and he was a beast down the stretch. He’s too inconsistent to be considered an ace, but the potential is definitely there.

          Reply
        • redsorbust

          3 years ago

          You are right. Potential. I am not sure but think he messed around with slider last year and I think that killed his amazing change up. At least that is the best explanation I can come up with. He seemed to right the ship last two months. Love watching him pitch. Amazing talent. Ace or #2 definitely could happen depending on team and circumstances. I think most teams will look in to trading for him. For me it’s which teams will his talent likely put said team over the top and real contention for glory and who will cough up enough prospects to get it done.

          Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          3 years ago

          Yankee-4-Lifer

          Reds are not going to trade Castillo for Gil and Pereira. It’ll take Dominguez unless Reds are sending a bad contract or two with Castillo.

          Volpe is interesting but not what the Reds will likely want nor what the Yankees will likely trade.

          1
          Reply
  31. ksoze

    3 years ago

    The Reds should trade anyone if the price is right, but that’s the same with any team, so…

    1
    Reply
  32. MLB Top 100 Commenter

    3 years ago

    Sonny Gray (two years), and the M’s choice of Suarez or Moose, and a few million in cash from the Reds to the Mariners, in return for Taylor Trammell back to the Reds.

    Reply
    • Orel Saxhiser

      3 years ago

      Bad trade for both teams. If the Mariners are willing to include Trammell in a trade for a starting pitcher, they can probably do it by adding another prospect or two to the package. There’s no need to take on Suarez or Moustakas. As for the Reds, they need all the young talent they can get. Why reduce Gray’s value by tying him to a player with a bad contract?

      2
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Cey Hey

        Usually you are pretty sharp! However:

        The Mariners are one team that can actually USE Suarez. Suarez is a bounce back candidate who can start at 3B for Mariners and have Kyle Seager type numbers. While Suarez has been a massive disappointment the past two years, his contract is no longer as huge when recent signings are compared.

        I do agree with you that the Reds should not NEED to pare down payroll, but they have stated to the media that they will do it. Sonny Gray and Suarez to the Mariners would be enough so that they can not only retain Castillo and Mahle, but they can actually explore extending Castillo.

        The Reds have Votto at 1B, India at 2B, Farmer/Barrero/McClain at SS, and Suarez or Moose at 3B. If they are going to cut payroll, Suarez or Moose is the way to go. Suarez could play 3B for M’s or Moose could play 2B for Angels. Winker, Naquin, Senzel, Akiyama are the outfielders and DH. If the Reds can deal Suarez without including Sonny Gray, that is optimal, but if they trade both to the M’s maybe they can even sign a cheap OF as an upgrade/depth. If they could get someone like Trammell or Lewis back, who can play CF, that would be great because Senzel at CF is brittle and seemingly always an injury risk, though with significant upside potential.

        But I agree with your general idea that Reds should not need to cutting payroll so much.

        Reply
  33. tonyinsingapore

    3 years ago

    If the Reds envision giving Stephenson 400+ PAs it makes no sense to keep a $7m backup catcher like Barnhart. As for Miley, the Cinderella carriage turned back into a pumpkin in early September.

    It’s seemingly doubtful there’s a full-on fire sale. Wait and see what happens once there’s a settlement….

    2
    Reply
  34. lumber and lighting

    3 years ago

    I wonder if you can have Castillo and Mahle if you take Suarez,Gray and Mooses deals.

    Reply
  35. WHeitzman

    3 years ago

    They will probably trade all three for more 3B prospects and 10% off coupon to Skyline

    Reply
  36. msqboxer

    3 years ago

    If I’m the Reds I’m talking to the CWS to see which one of these pitchers could get me Jake Burger and Micker Adolfo two players blocked on CWS but could end up being a core if added with India.

    Reply
  37. aTouchOfSarcasm

    3 years ago

    I think they should trade “whichever one you like the best” to “your favorite team” for “an overpriced veteran who no one would sign as a FA, and 3 prospects who will probably never sniff the majors.”

    Reply
  38. Akakak

    3 years ago

    In this marketplace, if they are meticulous, over the course of the year, they could really clean up by trading all three!

    1
    Reply
    • redsorbust

      3 years ago

      As long as they commit to a total rebuild.

      Reply
  39. redsorbust

    3 years ago

    I would like Castillo for Baltimore CF Cedric Mullens? Baltimore probably not going for it but me and trade simulator like it. LOL.

    Reply
  40. warnbeeb

    3 years ago

    If the Tigers offered Tyler Alexander and #18 prospect Kody Clemens (Roger’s son and on the Tigers 40 man) along with a 3rd, A ball prospect like, 20 y/o Jose De La Cruz (#29 prospect) would that get Mahle?

    Reply
    • titanic struggle

      3 years ago

      I would say yes…

      Reply
      • warnbeeb

        3 years ago

        Thanks. I consider Mahle a Doug Fister kind of pitcher. Under the radar, solid 3-5 starter who you can plug in there every 5th start for 30-4 years.

        He’s arb eligible for a couple more years, right? Maybe just 1? Maybe extend him for a couple.?

        Reply
  41. DodgerOK

    3 years ago

    May as well trade them all. They are not trying to win.

    Reply
  42. RedsArmy

    3 years ago

    Sorry but I think Sonny Gray is the very last pitcher they should deal. Not only can he harness exceptional spin, which tends to hold up better than velocity, he very quickly became a clubhouse leader and its very clear from player interviews and just watching him in the dugout he brings a ton of energy, passion & intellect.

    For those ripping his Yankees tenure: They forced him into heavily using his slider, one of his worst pitches

    Reply
  43. titanic struggle

    3 years ago

    Titanic Struggle

    Reply

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