3 possible trade packages the Reds could receive from the Mariners for Luis Castillo

3. Reds rid themselves of Mike Moustakas' contract.

This is the least ideal scenario for me, but it's certainly one the Cincinnati Reds should entertain. Could the Reds attach the unwanted contract of Mike Moustakas to Luis Castillo?

Let's face it, signing Moustakas was a mistake. Honestly, even if the slugger found the same measure of success he did in Kansas City and Milwaukee, Cincinnati still should not have signed Moose.

Moustakas signed a four-year/$64M contract prior to the 2020 season. The contract will pay Moustakas $18M in the final year (2023) of the deal and contains a $4M buyout for the 2024 season.

Moose will be 33 years old next season, and unless the National League adopts the designated hitter, will be without a position.

Attaching Mike Moustakas' contract to the potential trade of Luis Castillo will net the Reds less of a return. But, with Cincinnati looking to cut costs this winter, it certainly should be considered.

Even with Moustakas' contract as part of potential deal, the Reds should still get a nice return for a trade involving Castillo.

Maybe the Reds and Mariners could help each other out. Seattle has been rumored to have interest in trading right fielder Mitch Haniger for some time now.

Haniger is in the final season of team control and is estimated by MLB Trade Rumors to take home $8.5M next season.

In addition to Haniger, perhaps the Reds could snag their starting centerfielder for the 2022 season in Kyle Lewis.

During his limited time in the bigs, Lewis has posted three consecutive seasons with an OPS+ above 100.

Lewis, who won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2020, was limited to just 36 games after tearing the meniscus in his right knee last season.

The Reds should also try to secure a minor league talent as well. The Reds could acquire a young pitching prospect like Adam Macko or Levi Stoudt.