Red Sox Land Cuban OF Castillo
Published at
Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images(BOSTON) — The Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo on a seven-year deal worth approximately $72 million.
The heavily back loaded deal, as confirmed by a team source on Friday, is a record dollar amount for a free-agent amateur. Castillo is en route to Boston and has a physical scheduled for Saturday, according to ESPN’s Pedro Gomez.
An impressive defensive player with good speed, Castillo has spent the last five years playing in Serie Nacional, Cuba’s top league. The 27-year old is highly regarded as a base stealer and boasts an above-average bat. Even with all of the hype, Red Sox manager John Farrell knows how scouting reports can be.
“Above-average speed. Can play center field or right field. What kind of power? What kind of average?,” pondered Farrell. “Obviously our scouts liked him enough, if the reports are true, that’s a significant investment. It’s an exciting, athletic player by all accounts.”
Once officially with the club, Castillo is expected to play centerfield for Boston, next to countrymen Yoenis Cespedes.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio