Outstanding Cuban Outfielder, Rusney Castillo to Detroit? (VIDEO)
Aug 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits a single in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers rumors are revving up yet again folks, this time they are revolving around Rusney Castillo. Castillo is a 27-year-old Cuban defector and an outstanding outfielder.
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are among the leading contenders for Castillo’s services. However, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported, the Tigers are also seen as “major players” for Castillo by others in the industry.
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
Whoever signs Castillo will get a speedy, athletic outfielder with surprising power — who has drawn comparisons with Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury in terms of style of play — and is seen as close to big league ready.
MLB.com reported Friday that the Tigers are expected to extend the five-tool outfielder an offer and Castillo is likely to make his decision at some point during the next week.
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Approximately 28 teams scouted Castillo during his workout last month, and a smaller group of clubs followed up with individual workouts. The Tigers had a handful of evaluators there, then scouted him more closely in an individual workout last Sunday in Miami.
Castillo fits a need for the Tigers, who have a long-term void in center field since trading Austin Jackson to Seattle as part of the trade that brought David Price to Detroit. Top center field prospect Derek Hill, Detroit’s first-round Draft pick this season, is at least a few years away. Detroit’s better prospects in the middle and upper levels are generally seen as corner outfielders.
However, there’s question as to whether Castillo will be ready to play this season as he has yet to obtain a work visa, which is needed by Aug. 31 in order to achieve postseason eligibility. According to Sherman, he currently has a visitor’s visa.
1 thing keep in mind with Rusney Castillo playing this yr: Has visitor’s visa, would need work visa to play. Question if could be done (con)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 15, 2014
As with all Cuban players coming to the U.S., there is intrigue and mystery including guesses about what he’ll sign for. Some think it will be in the $35 million to $45 million range. Others say higher.
Would you like to see Castillo in a Tigers uniform?