Bar has been set for Frankie Montas return for Oakland A’s

Frankie Montas and Luis Castillo have been considered to be the two best pitchers available on the trade market. Montas is now the best pitcher left.

Late Friday night, the Reds and Mariners made a blockbuster trade. Castillo was sent to Seattle for a package of prospects, with Noelvi Marte, Levi Stoudt, Edwin Arroyo, and Andrew Moore all heading to Cincinnati.

Oakland A’s have framework for Frankie Montas trade

The Reds received an incredible haul for Castillo. Marte, Arroyo, and Stoudt were three of their top five prospects, with Marte and Arroyo ranked in the top 100 by MLB.com at 18 and 91 respectively. While that return may be considered an overpayment, it was the exact type of return the Reds needed to receive for one of the top starting pitchers available.

That return also sets the bar for the Oakland A’s. The market for Montas has now been set, especially as both pitchers were linked to the same teams in rumors. If/when he is traded, the A’s need to receive the type of return that can transform their franchise.

Montas is a slightly different case than Castillo. He did miss 18 days earlier in July due to shoulder inflammation and is still working his way back to form. However, he also has a track record of being able to take the ball every five days while providing at least six generally worry-free innings. That has a great deal of value these days.

And that value is known. It involves three of a team’s top five prospects, with two in the top 100 overall, and a potential lottery ticket. If Castillo and Montas were linked and considered to be 1 and 1A in terms of pitchers that were available, then the A’s need a very similar return. Otherwise, any trade will be a disappointment.

Luis Castillo brought back four prospects, including two in the top 100 overall. The Oakland A’s know the return they need for Frankie Montas now.