Reds pitcher Luis Castillo rumored to be the Mariners main target at the trade deadline

The New York Yankees seem to think the world of baseball revolves around them. Guess what? It doesn't. While the Bronx Bombers have long been rumored to be the frontrunner for Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo, it appears another contender has entered the fray. The latest Reds rumors suggest another American League team is vying for Castillo's services.

Reds fans know this team quite well; the Seattle Mariners. The M's made a deal with the Redlegs earlier this year that saw both Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker shipped to the Pacific Northwest.

In return, Cincinnati received two pitching prospects (Brandon Williamson and Connor Phillips) along with right-hander Justin Dunn and outfielder Jake Fraley. While Reds management will tell you the move was not about slashing payroll, the fanbase knows better.

However, if the two teams were able to come to an agreement involving a trade for Luis Castillo, it would not be about payroll. The Cincinnati Reds need to be looking for the best deal available, and with the talent the Mariners have in their minor league system, they certainly have the horses to get it done.

Latest Reds rumors suggest that the Mariners are focused on trading for Luis Castillo.

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani have dominated the trade rumors today, but both are unlikely to be moved at the deadline. Luis Castillo, however, represents the best starter available and could garner the best return as well.

The Seattle Mariners are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2001. According to The Athletics' Ken Rosenthal in an interview with Chris Myers, the Mariners may be involved in trade discussions surrounding Soto, but their greater focus is on the rotation. Rosenthal specifically cited the team's interest in Castillo.

Rosenthal also cites the Seattle Mariners' concerns for their young pitching staff. Both Logan Gilbert and George Kirby are relatively new to pitching in the big leagues, so having a veteran like Luis Castillo in the rotation would give Seattle someone who's surpassed 160 innings three times in his career.

These latest Reds rumors should boost the spirits of the Cincinnati faithful who've been fearful that general manager Nick Krall would just take the first offer for Luis Castillo's services. I would expect the Reds GM to remain steadfast and let the teams who are interested in the right-hander put forth their best offers over the next couple of days.