Yankees pursuit of Jameson Taillon should silence Luis Castillo rumors

The New York Yankees have been looking for another starter this offseason, and their pursuit of Jameson Taillon should silence the Luis Castillo rumors. Cincinnati Reds General Manager Nick Krall threw cold water all over those rumors last week, but if the Yankees acquire the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter, those rumors will be all but put to bed.

I’m pretty sure at this point that Reds Country is growing weary of hearing the names of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, and Eugenio Suárez mentioned as possible trade targets this offseason. After spending $166M on free agents last offseason, it appeared as though Cincinnati entered this winter with a fire sale in mind.

The Reds traded closer Raisel Iglesias for what amounted to a salary dump. The team non-tendered backup catcher Curt Casali, reserve outfielder Brian Goodwin, and setup-man Archie Bradley as well. It seemed as though Cincinnati’s front office was on the verge of a rebuild when Castillo’s name entered the trade rumors.

The Luis Castillo rumors should be all but put to bed.

Last night, several reports emerged that the Pittsburgh Pirates were looking to deal starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com claimed that the Yankees had emerged as the favorites. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette supported Feinsand’s claims, expecting the Pirates to execute a trade as soon as today.

This news should bury the Luis Castillo rumors that have been so rampant until last week’s revelation that Cincinnati was interested in landing New York’s prized shortstop Gleyber Torres. Yankees’ fans were appalled that Krall and the Reds front office would make such a request in addition to prospects that would need to be included in order to seal the deal.

Krall emerged last week and claimed there was no truth to any of the supposed rumors and that he expected Castillo to suit up for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. The right-hander may represent one of the best bargains in baseball, as he’ll only cost the team $4.2M next season after avoiding arbitration and agreeing to a one-year contract.

No more Luis Castillo rumors, please.

With Brian Cashman, the Yankees GM, looking to make a final addition to New York’s starting rotation with the addition of Taillon, the death knell may be sounding, silencing the Luis Castillo rumors that were ever present this offseason.

We also haven’t heard many rumbling involving Sonny Gray of late either. The Minnesota Twins are still looking to add a starting pitcher this offseason, and Gray’s $10M salary represents a number that Cincinnati’s front office wouldn’t mind moving. But, with the NL Central up for grabs, the Reds may be content to enter 2021 with the one-two punch of Castillo and Gray.