Could Reds’ Tyler Mahle Be Consolation Prize At MLB Trade Deadline?

The Cincinnati Reds have one of baseball’s most buzz-generating trade targets in National League All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo. However, could fellow Reds right-handed starter Tyler Mahle be a consolation target at the August 2 trade deadline?

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Mahle will be added back to the Reds pitching rotation on Sunday. The 27-year-old suffered a shoulder strain which lead to his stint on the injured list in early July.

In 17 starts this season, Mahle sits with a 3-7 record, a 4.48 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 92 1/3 innings pitched. He also sports a 28.3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2022.

While the record may come off as underwhelming, it’s also misleading. In 15 of his 17 starts, Mahle has allowed four or fewer earned runs — a run total that no team has managed to surpass when facing Mahle since the Chicago Cubs during a May 24 matchup in Cincinnati.

Another thing to keep in mind with Mahle is his contract status. Mahle will earn $5.2 million for the 2022 season. Similar to his current Reds teammate Castillo, Mahle’s deal keeps him contractually controlled through the 2023 season when he then becomes eligible for arbitration.

On the other hand, there is a risk at play with Mahle — as he is currently unvaccinated. This likely takes a team such as the Toronto Blue Jays off the table. Back in May, Mahle was placed on the restricted list and absent for a three-game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto due to his unvaccinated status.

Mahle last made an appearance for the Reds on July 2 against the Atlanta Braves, allowing two earned runs on five hits and four walks in five innings pitched, en route to a 4-1 loss.

The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on August 2.