The Phillies were one of the first teams to step up and offer Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo a private workout. As Castillo is reportedly closer to signing, two favorites appear to be emerging to sign Castillo. Neither of those two favorites are the Phillies.
We first heard that the Phillies were not really in the running for Castillo, according to CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury. But, then another report, this time out of the New York Post, seemed to think that the Phillies were front runners for Castillo. The Phillies are not part of the conversation anymore as we inch closer to Castillo signing.
Early this morning, Alex Speier of WEEI reported that the Red Sox were the favorites to land Castillo:
According to sources with multiple major league teams that have been involved in the sweepstakes, the Red Sox are considered the favorites to land Cuban free agent outfielder Rusney Castillo. While one industry source cautioned that, as of late Thursday night, Castillo had not yet agreed to a deal with any team and remained in “active” dialogue with multiple clubs, multiple teams believe that the Red Sox may be close to a deal for the athletic, speedy outfielder.
But, that was not the end of the story.
Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston also puts the Tigers in the mix:
The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers appear to be the front-runners for the services of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, two league sources said Thursday, with a decision expected no later than the weekend.
The Tigers, who have fallen behind the first-place Kansas City Royals in the AL Central, are looking for a replacement for center fielder Austin Jackson, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners as part of the three-way deal in which Detroit acquired left-handed ace David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays last month
Adding Castillo could be risky for the Tigers, but with the Tigers' recent down stretch, they could be desperate enough to pony up big bucks.
The Boston Red Sox have completely overhauled their outfield by adding Yoenis Cespedes and Allen Craig. Their top outfield prospect, Mookie Betts, and Jackie Bradley, Jr., who struggled this season, also remain in the picture. Likely out of the picture: former Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino. Victorino had a strong 2013 but a very poor 2014 before succumbing to multiple injuries.
This is a sore missed opportunity for the Phillies to add a young talented outfielder who could help the team right away. Maybe they can somehow acquire some of the Boston leftovers after they add Castillo.
UPDATE: The Red Sox have agreed to terms with Castillo, according to a number of reports.
