Rangers & Reds

Submitted by: rhayex

Rangers

NameAgeLevelP1P2AvailabilityYearsAFVSalarySurplusLowMedianHigh
Luis Castillo29MajorsSPHigh1.553.214.738.530.838.546.3

Total Value:

38.5

Reds

NameAgeLevelP1P2AvailabilityYearsAFVSalarySurplusLowMedianHigh
Evan CarterMinorsOF23.218.623.227.8
Owen WhiteMinorsRHP9.67.79.611.5
Aaron ZavalaMinorsOF7.66.17.69.1

Total Value:

40.4

rhayex

Rangers get Luis Castillo, an ace under team control through 2023. Pretty self-explanatory: insane stuff, good k rates, extreme groundball pitcher. Closest comps via statcast are Brandon Woodruff and Sandy Alcantara. Reds get Evan Carter, a high-upside centerfielder with solid walk rates, decent k rates, and good defense and speed. He's a bit risky with a lack of power shown in the minors (7 homeruns in 400 ABs), but at only 19 he has room to improve. He's the piece of this trade I'm least sure about, because I'm not entirely positive he has the upside to be considered a centerpiece to a Castillo trade. The Reds would really have to be convinced that there's untapped power potential to commit to him OR be a big believer in his defense and plate approach. His upside is likely a Brandon Nimmo-esque player, altho if he finds 20-30 homerun power (incredibly unlikely) while retaining his good plate approach he could turn into something much more. Owen White is an advanced control over stuff guy (altho reports are he still has good stuff - just not elite/ace level) who has pitched fairly well at high-A and is currently in AA. His ERA in AA is a bit deceiving, as his k rate has gone down at each level which is a bit concerning. With that said, his BB rate has also declined. He's likely a future 3rd starter - middling ceiling, solidly high floor. I'd want to see his spin rates/efficiency before committing to him as the big second piece to a trade - the Reds should have access to this data. Aaron Zavala is an all-bat, no defense RF currently in high-A. Another high-floor, mid ceiling type guy who likely makes an impact at the majors in a similar fashion to a player like Jesse Winker - good eye for the strike zone, good plate approach, middling power. The Reds have had success with this type of hitter before, particularly when they play half their games in GABP which should allow the mediocre power to play up a bit.

pbpsean

All three are good prospects and a tough price to pay for Rangers. But for Castillo, it is worth the price.

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