The Mets are among a few teams showing early interest in Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo, per Jon Heyman of the NY Post. This news comes just a day after Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco left his start against the Houston Astros with back tightness. Whether or not he will have to miss his next scheduled start has yet to be determined.
Injuries have hindered the Mets rotation all season, so it is no surprise that the team is rumored to be in on the best starting pitchers in the trade market. The team is currently with Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Tylor Megill, and potentially Carrasco. Scherzer could be making his return on Sunday against Miami Marlins if everything feels right following his rehab start with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Tuesday.
Castillo will be one of the most coveted starting pitchers at the deadline. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 3.71 ERA in nine starts this season. He was unable to make his season debut until May 9 due to a shoulder injury. Heyman also stated that the Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres are teams that have interest in acquiring the Reds starter.
The Reds will be asking for a solid return if they choose to trade Castillo. The 29-year-old is eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season, so the team that acquires him at the deadline will have at least another year of control. Castillo is not the only starting pitcher rumored to be headed to New York. Tyler Mahle of the Reds and Frankie Montas of the Oakland Athletics have also been linked to the Mets as potential trade targets.
While starting pitching looks to be the biggest need for the Mets at the deadline, Heyman also stated that the team could be in the market for a hitter. Washington Nationals first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell and Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi are the two biggest hitters rumored to be available.
