You can always tell when the New York Yankees are picking up steam in the off-season when the rumor mill begins to churn. Recently, they have been connected to Cincinnati Reds’ star pitcher Luis Castillo, who is controlled until 2024, hitting arbitration in 2022. He is scheduled to make just $4 million in 2021, and that could be a major reason the Yankees are so interested in his services.
However, there have been conflicting reports indicate Cashman’s desire to strike a deal for Castillo, but others have stated the trade rumors are no more than smoke. From what we’ve seen in the past, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Castillo is the perfect target for the Bombers, who could use a consistent arm in the rotation. They did recently sign Corey Kluber to a one year, $11 million deal, but he’s coming off two injury-riddled seasons and can’t be relied on.
If Kluber can return to his former self, a player who two Cy Young awards in the past, they will be in great shape behind Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace. Adding a player like Castillo, on the other hand, will give the Yankees one of the starting best starting rotations in baseball. Castillo finished the 2020 campaign with a 3.21 ERA, 11.44 strikeouts per nine, and 2.65 WHIP.
However, trading for Castillo would cost the Yankees quite a lot, as blossoming outfielder Clint Frazier has been mocked in potential deals.
In addition, it has been reported that the Reds want Gleyber Torres in the deal, which is absolutely a no-go for Brian Cashman.
Reds asked the Yankees for SS Gleyber Torres plus in Castillo talks as just said on @MLBNetwork. That makes sense as both are young stars, and Cincinnati needs a SS. Yankees said no. Also not a surprise, Now Castillo very likely stays in Cincy.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 18, 2021
Frazier, who had a breakout season in 2020, finishing with a .267 average with eight homers and 26 RBIs, tweeted out an asserting message. The tweet was from the movie Wolf of Wall Street, where Jordan Belford states, “I’m not leaving,†in an emphatic triumph of loyalty toward the business he built.
— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) January 18, 2021
Frazier is staring a starting position in the outfield right in the face, and to be traded at this point, would certainly be harsh by the Yankees. I don’t believe they want to part ways with him, considering the potential he holds given more at-bats and playing time. He also saw his defense elevate exponentially last year, finishing as a Gold Glove finalist.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees continue shooting offers at the Reds for Castillo, but nothing is set in stone just yet.