Mark Gubicza a “huge fan of” top LA Angels trade target

Of the names that the LA Angels have been linked to in the trade market this offseason, Luis Castillo is the one who the rumors are most credible around.

While the Reds would reportedly like to keep Castillo around, MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that teams are still consistently pushing for him. He and fellow MLB insider Jon Morosi reported that the "Angels are at the forefront of those talks:"

While the Halos may be the closest team to getting something done for Castillo, it's complicated. Morosi reports that while he can see the Angels dealing for Castillo this winter, they'd have to include Brandon Marsh in the package.

That would be a tough player to see go, but regardless of one's opinion on the willingness to trade Marsh, the return would be outstanding. Castillo has a special arm; one that Angels color analyst on Bally Sports West, Mark Gubicza, is a "huge fan of."

LA Angels color commentator Mark Gubicza believes that "Luis Castillo is a special pitcher."

I can't disagree with Mark Gubicza on his evaluation of Luis Castillo, who the LA Angels are reportedly interested in trading for. Castillo has been an All-Star in this league, and would have been an All-Star twice if there was an All-Star Game in 2020. Gubicza told me that he in particular believes that "his fastball-changeup combination is outstanding."

Castillo is considered to be the most prized starter on the trade block right now. Ever since that All-Star campaign in 2019, he boasts a 3.61 ERA, a 3.56 FIP, and a 131 ERA+. Striking out 10.2 hitters per nine innings in that span, he's untouchable.

Now, Gubicza is a huge fan of Marsh's. I am too, and we both agree that Marsh shouldn't be swapped for many pitchers available via trade. Castillo is one of the rare pitchers where that can be entertained.

"Unless you’re able to get someone like a Castillo; a younger arm that you’re going to have around for a while that has great upside, you don’t even have those conversations," said Gubicza.