The Boston Red Sox appear to be getting their man.
According to multiple reports, the Red Sox are close to signing Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo to a seven-year deal worth $72.5 million. The reported contract would be a record for a Cuban defector, surpassing the reported $68 million the Chicago White Sox gave Jose Abreu last fall.
It’s unclear what the Red Sox’s plans for Castillo are, but the 27-year-old has a chance to be a solid major leaguer. He’s not a tall guy at 5-foot-9, but at 205Â pounds, he has a strong build.
Scouting reports indicate that Castillo’s speed is his best asset. That, along with a decent right-handed arm, could project him as a center fielder in the major leagues.
Castillo’s bat would be an interesting play at Fenway Park. According to Baseball America, Castillo — who hits right-handed — is more of a line-drive hitter. He’s displayed some pop at times, but he figures to be more of a doubles hitter. How that plays in a place like Fenway Park will be interesting to watch.
