Report: Reds' Castillo, Rockies' Marquez unlikely to be traded

Teams looking to add a frontline starter to their staff will have to look elsewhere if they were hoping to land Cincinnati Reds ace Luis Castillo or Colorado Rockies right-hander German Marquez.

It's doubtful that either pitcher will be traded, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

That report comes in the midst of a surprisingly fast-developing market for free-agent starters, with Eduardo Rodriguez and Noah Syndergaard already landing deals. After being tendered qualifying offers from the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, respectively, E-Rod landed a multi-year deal with the Detroit Tigers and Syndergaard is heading to the Los Angeles Angels on a more lucrative one-year contract.

Castillo would immediately become one of the most sought-after starters on the market if the Reds made him available. The 28-year-old authored a 3.98 ERA and 3.75 FIP over 187 2/3 innings last year while making 33 starts. The former All-Star is entering his second year of arbitration eligibility and is under team control through the 2023 campaign.

Marquez, meanwhile, would be a noteworthy trade chip for a rebuilding Rockies club. He is owed a maximum of $29.1 million on a team-friendly deal over the next two seasons, with an additional $13.5 million due if his 2024 club option is exercised. In 180 innings last year, the 26-year-old posted a 4.40 ERA and 3.86 FIP while pitching his home games at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Instead, teams looking to add to their starting staff will have to focus on a free-agent class led by Max Scherzer, Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, and Marcus Stroman.