Tyler Mahle's trade value continues to climb after Tuesday's fantastic performance

With the Cincinnati Reds sitting in last-place in the National League Central, the team is likely to sellers at his year's trade deadline. After last night's dominant performance, Tyler Mahle's trade value is sure to go up.

Mahle went the distance, sort of, on Tuesday night in the desert. The right-hander logged nine innings but didn't get the win. Cincinnati eventually took the lead for good in the top of 12th inning and won the game by a final of 5-3.

Mahle was masterful. He allowed just three hits and struck out 12 batters. This was the sixth time in the last seven games where Mahle threw at least six innings. While Luis Castillo has long been rumored to be Cincinnati's top trade candidate, Mahle may be gaining on him.

Reds RHP Tyler Mahle has increased his trade value in recent weeks.

Over his last four starts, Tyler Mahle has covered 27.2 innings, struck out 36 batters, and walked only seven. Mahle has allowed just four runs during that span for a sparkling 1.30 ERA. That 34% strikeout-rate and 6.6% walk-rate are numbers that will make opposing GMs drool.

Cincinnati's starting rotation is one of biggest reasons that we're likely to hear both Mahle and Luis Castillo's names whispered in trade rumors this summer. Rookies like Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Connor Overton, and Nick Lodolo have all found some measure of success in 2022.

But the number of teams in need of starting pitching at the trade deadline will be quite large. The St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Minnesota Twins are all likely to be in the market for an additional starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

Tyler Mahle is under team control through next season, meaning he's not just a rental arm for the final two months of the regular season. This too will increase his trade value.

The MLB trade deadline is about six weeks away. While Reds Country would much rather be talking about adding players before August 2nd, it's much more likely that the Cincinnati Reds will be sellers. Mahle is sure to be a popular name over the next several weeks.