1 Astros prospect the Reds should target in Luis Castillo trade discussions

Strangely, or maybe not so strangely, the Houston Astros have emerged as a suitor for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo. While the Astros may not have some of the top-level talent that the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees have, there's plenty to like about their farm system.

Reds GM Nick Krall is about to become a very popular guy after the 2022 MLB Draft. While rumors may persist throughout the All-Star festivities next week, we shouldn't expect Cincinnati to trade Castillo until after the Midsummer Classic.

The possibility exists that Castillo could remain with the Reds after the August 2nd deadline, but it's becoming less and less likely. La Piedra is looking more and more like the most sought-after starting pitcher among contending teams this summer. So what would the Astros have to offer?

The Reds could target Astros' OF prospect Colin Barber.

Colin Barber is raking a High-A Asheville this season. An overwhelming majority of outlets rank Barber as a Top 10 prospect within Houston's farm system with the 21-year-old slotted at No. 3 according to FanGraphs. The website calls Barber a potential everyday outfielder.

Nick Senzel has performed above expectations this season, but his long-term future in Cincinnati is definitely questionable. The Reds best center field prospect is probably Mike Siani, though he's little more than a glove-first outfielder with speed. Allan Cerda and Austin Hendrick can play center field as well.

Barber, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, is hit-over-power, but his slugging percentage is up over .450 at High-A this season. His on-base percentage is also up over .400 through 50-plus games with the Asheville Tourists this season.

Colin Barber is must in any return the Cincinnati Reds are looking to get for Luis Castillo. The Reds would have another season before having to add Barber to the 40-man roster. While he profiles as a centerfielder at the moment, Barber can play all three outfield spots, especially if his power develops.

The Houston Astros do not have many elite prospects, with only one (Hunter Brown) ranked among the Top 100 according to MLB Pipeline. But Barber should be at the top of the list in any trade talks between the Astros and Reds.