3 Atlanta Braves trade rumors that they should turn into a reality

3 Braves trade rumors that they should turn into a reality

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 26: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Kansas City Royals hits a single against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of the game at Target Field on May 26, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Royals defeated the Twins 3-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) delivers in the first inning during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Chicago Cubs At Cincinnati Reds May 254 0022 /

The Braves should trade for Reds SP Luis Castillo

While much has been made about the Braves and their outfield (and rightfully so, particularly before the month of June), the Braves also need some help in the starting pitching staff.

The Braves only have four tried and true starters, as only four of them have more than four starts on the season. Of those four, only three of them have an ERA+ better than league average. Overall, the Braves starting staff entered Monday with an ERA of 4.13, which is 19th in baseball.

Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo would help the Braves immensely.

Castillo, 29, has made eight starts for the Reds this year, and he has an ERA of 3.33 for an ERA+ of 142, which is 42 percent better than league average. He also has a WHIP of 1.087, a 3.43 FIP (suggesting that his results are pretty true to form), and he is averaging 2.9 walks and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

From 2019 through 2021, he made 32, 12, and 33 starts (12 starts coming in the 60-game 2020 season), and he had an ERA+ of 131.

Castillo is entering his final season of arbitration next year, so the Braves would have him for the remainder of this season and all of 2023 before he hits free agency.

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