The Phillies are desperate for talented young players. After not trading any of their veterans for young talent this trade deadline, one way that the Phillies could have added some was by signing Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who is in the process of fielding offers from teams. The Phillies had Castillo do a private workout for the club, but it appears that the Phillies will not be the team with whom Castillo signs.
CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury reports that the wait could end soon, but the Phillies do not seem to be one of the teams in on the outfielder:
Cuban free-agent outfielder Rusney Castillo is in the process of narrowing the field of teams that are bidding for his services, according to people with knowledge of the situation, and he could soon be ready to sign with a major-league club.
Industry sources have wondered how high the Phillies are on Castillo and do not view the team as a top candidate to sign the player. But general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has maintained communication with Castillo’s representatives.
All Castillo would cost the Phillies is money, and they have it.
The only way to add young talent besides trades and the draft is to spend on international players from places such as Japan and Cuba, where the players are not subject to the draft. The Phillies need an influx of talent in a hurry. Missing out on Castillo could be a tough loss for the Phillies.
