MLB Trade Rumors: Reds Open to Discussing Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle Deals

The 5-23 Cincinnati Reds are on their way to an abysmal season, and the time to sell may come sooner rather than later for the last-place team.

The Reds are willing to talk about possibly trading starting pitchers Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, according to Peter Gammons. Castillo is one of the few players on the roster that could be a season-changer.

The Reds started selling before the season started.

They traded catcher Tucker Barnhart and pitcher Sonny Gray to another team. Nick Krall told reporters before the campaign that he didn't envision trading Castillo or Mahle.

The front office may have changed its mind after the rough start to the year, as the 27-year-old Mahle likely won't be a key part of Cincinnati's next contender and Castillo could net a number of marquee prospects to accelerate the rebuild.

Through his first seven starts, he has a 6.46 ERA and 1.57 WHIP, despite being solid the last two seasons. Cincinnati may have cost itself in potential negotiations because his value was likely higher before the disappointing start to the year.

Castillo isn't a pure rental for any contender looking to improve its starting rotation because he is under team control until 2024.

The All-Star made his season debut Monday after dealing with shoulder concerns. He allowed three earned runs with five strikeouts in 4.2 frames of work against the Milwaukee Brewers.

While Reds fans who saw many of the team's notable players shipped away likely won't be thrilled if Castillo joins that list, getting valuable pieces in return before he could leave as a free agent in 2024 may be the best route.