Reds-Mariners blockbuster trade to come full circle during Monday’s spring training matchup

When the Seattle Mariners paid a visit to Great American Ball Park last summer, Luis Castillo did not step onto the rubber. While the Reds fans in attendance showed their love and admiration for both Castillo and former third baseman Eugenio Suarez, La Piedra did not actually pitch against his old team.

That will not be the case on Monday afternoon when the Mariners make a visit to Goodyear Ballpark to square off against the Reds in a Cactus League game. The probable starter for Seattle is Castillo, who will be going up against his former team for the first time.

Castillo had a nice run during his time in the Queen City. The right-hander went to the All-Star Game on two separate occasions, and was arguably one of the top arms in the game at the time he was traded in 2022.

Reds-Mariners blockbuster trade to come full circle during spring training matchup

Castillo was dealt at the trade deadline in 2022. The Seattle Mariners sent Edwin Arroyo, Noelvi Marte, Levi Stoudt, and Andrew Moore to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Castillo. The Mariners then inked Castillo to a five-year, $108 million contract extension. Castillo went to the All-Star Game once again in 2023 and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting.

But the Reds made out quite well in that trade also. Marte looks to be on track to be the Reds everyday third baseman this season, and Arroyo has shown off some slick-fielding this spring that has caused several scouts and observers to offer up rave reviews about young shortstop prospect.

The trade will likely go down as a win-win for both teams, especially considering that Seattle was able to re-acquire Stoudt this offseason after the Reds designated the right-hander for assignment.

Jose Barrero draws second straight start in the outfield

In addition to Luis Castillo's return, the Cincinnati Reds will be sending former top infield prospect Jose Barrero to the outfield once again. After drawing a start in center field during Sunday's exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels, Barrero will start today's game in right field.

Barrero is out of minor-league options, and the Reds appear to be giving the 25-year-old one last chance to prove himself at the major league level. Barrero will have some fierce competition this spring with players like Stuart Fairchild, Bubba Thompson, and Josh Harrison.

Barrero has never logged a single inning in right field, but does have some major league experience in center field. Regardless of where he lines up on the field, it's Barrero's bat, not his glove that will offer him the chance to break camp with the team. Barrero has a .497 OPS over his career. That's not going to cut it.