In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic; there was a desire expressed by many. To seek something better than what passed for normal in pre-pandemic times. The 2022 Cincinnati Reds didn’t get the memo.

Instead of getting better, after putting together two winning seasons. The Reds are emerging from the All-star break in an unfortunately familiar state. The Reds went into the break with a 34-57 record. Heading into the break last in the National League Central. The Reds are on pace to lose over 100 games for just the second time ever. However, they could lose between 94-99 games. Like they did every year from 2015 through 2018.

This is not what the Reds and their fans wanted to return to. Even the Reds’ hot run leading up to the all-star break feels familiar. At various times in the Reds’ post-Dusty Baker era. The Reds would have a good week or two heading into the all-star break. Only to revert to losing ways after the break concluded.

Meanwhile, the big story currently surrounding the Reds is the August 2nd trade deadline. Now two-time all-star Luis Castillo appears to be in his last weeks with the Reds. He’s receiving the most trade buzz of any pitcher in the major leagues. Personally, the big question I have isn’t whether to trade him or not. The Reds spent the last off-season shedding away the core of their 2021 roster. Trading Castillo would be the continuation of that trend.

Along with this, the Reds have an interesting opportunity. To build up a starting rotation primarily based around players from the Reds farm system. With Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft as rookies. While Tyler Mahle serves as the veteran in the rotation. Castillo is the Reds most reliable starter at the moment. Though the Reds have relatively reliable options if they trade Castillo.

The Reds have a good and young starting rotation. Their main problem pitching-wise remains their unreliable bullpen. If the Reds opt to not trade Castillo by the deadline. He will likely be called upon to pitch as many 100+ pitch games as he can. For a team that has found ways to blunder good starts all around this year.

My concern is who the Reds get in return if they trade Castillo. Instead of striving mutually beneficial trades. The Reds we’re prompted by the pandemic to head into sell mode. Trading All-stars and award-winning fan favorites. In ideal circumstances, the Reds would be able to attract an ace for an ace. Or a phenomenal hitter like Monday’s Home Run Derby champion Juan Soto in exchange for Castillo. Instead, the Reds might get promising prospects and players that aren’t household names.

The pandemic wrecked the Reds plans to contend this year. While also leaving the team unable to fully capitalize on their 2020 and 2021 success. Due to the capacity limits they and major league teams generally faced. The Reds have put themselves in an unfortunate situation. They shed payroll and their best players. While enduring losing seasons that drove fans away. Only to contend for a short time, reverse course, rinse and repeat.

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Bearcats Football are surging. While the Cincinnati Reds have faded back to a spot that fans were hoping to avoid.