Reds rumored to be discussing potential Luis Castillo trade with this team

If the latest Reds rumors are true, perhaps Cincinnati starter Luis Castillo is not off limits in trade talks after all.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Reds have had preliminary discussions with the Los Angeles Angels involving a trade for the Cincinnati hurler.

Reds rumors suggest a trade for Luis Castillo is in the works.

Just last week, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that Luis Castillo and fellow starter Tyler Mahle were "off limits".

The bottom line appears to be - Luis Castillo is available, but the Cincinnati Reds' asking price is said to be astronomical.

Cincinnati knows what they have in Castillo; a potential ace who's under team control for the next two seasons.

MLB Trade Rumors predicts that Castillo will take home $7.6M in 2022.

That's a bargain for a pitcher who posted a 2.73 ERA after June 1. Castillo ended the season with a 3.98 ERA.

Castillo's 23.9% strikeout-rate was the lowest it has been since 2018. Castillo also owned a 14.6% K-BB%; the lowest of his career.

The Reds have made it apparent that they're looking to shed payroll this offseason.

The team traded longtime catcher Tucker Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers shortly after the the World Series came to a close.

Left-handed veteran Wade Miley was also shown his walking papers after he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs.

When it comes to young, inexpensive talent, the Los Angeles Angels are loaded. Young outfielders like Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh would certainly be on Cincinnati's short list.

The Halos also have pitching prospects Reid Detmers and Sam Bachman in their farm system.

If these Reds rumors are true, it'll be interesting to see if the two sides are able to work out a trade before the inevitable MLB work stoppage.

We are unlikely to see any transactions after 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 1st.