Could Rusney Castillo be the Red Sox center fielder of the future?

The Tigers, Yankees, and Red Sox are widely reported to be in the thick of the hunt for the highly-touted Cuban defector who is expected to announce his decision on which MLB team he will sign with any day now, according to several media reports. The Phillies and Cubs are reported to be in the mix of finalists for the free agent, as well.

But chance to sign 27-yr-old without draft compensation means non-contenders bidding, too. #Yankees #Redsox #Tigers viewed as major players — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 15, 2014

Castillo is a a speedy outfielder who can play some infield and has the potential to become a high-impact player in the majors but it’s not a lock that he will light up the big stage as quickly as fellow Cuban sluggers Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Abreau, or Yasiel Puig.


The scouting skinny on the stocky Castillo is that offensively he’s got outstanding raw power that has the potential to translate to the major leagues. Defensively, he possesses great speed but is thought of as an average fielder with an OK arm.

In 360 games in Cuba, Castillo batted .319/.383/.516 in 360 games in Cuba, slugging 51 home runs and stealing 76 bases in that stretch.

More than 100 scouts from all 28 MLB teams were on hand to witness Castillo’s workout in Florida on July 26. And WEEI.com reported that the Red Sox held a private workout for Castillo Aug. 1 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Castillo reportedly began looking over offers extended to him on Friday and a decision could be made this week. Castillo is being represented by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, the agency that also represents Robinson Cano.

Reports estimate that the 27-year-old Castillo could be signed to a contract in the six-year, $50 million ballpark and the Red Sox have been reported to be one of the aggressive bidders for his services. He would need to obtain a work visa quickly in order to be on a major league roster by Aug. 31, the last day to be eligible to play in the postseason. But it’s been a while since Castillo has seen game action. He last played in Cuba in 2012, and ended the year on suspension.