After much speculation, Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo has agreed to a seven-year deal with the Boston Red Sox on Friday, according to sources. The front-runners for the 27-year-old were the Red Sox and Detroit Tigers.
Castillo's seven-year deal is reportedly worth $72.5 million and he will join the Red Sox roster this season. The Red Sox have been looking to bolster their outfield after losing Jacoby Ellsbury this offseason to the New York Yankees and testing out youngsters Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts. They also acquired A's outfielder Yoenis Cespedes in a trade for pitcher Jon Lester as well as outfielder Allen Craig from the Cardinals for John Lackey.
The Detroit Tigers were among the other finalists for Castillo along with the San Francisco Giants. Detroit was looking to add another young outfielder after trading away Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal that landed them David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays. Castillo has been drawing comparisons to Andrew McCutchen and Yasiel Puig (another Cuban defector) so his services were highly sought.
Earlier in the week it was believed the Tigers were going to lock up Castillo by the weekend, but the Red Sox seemingly have swooped in with a bigger offer. It was believed Castillo would be signing a five- or six-year deal worth between $50 and $60 million, but late on Thursday rumors surfaced that the Red Sox's offer would get his signature. His deal sets the record for Cuban defectors and exceeds White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu's six-year, $68 million contract.
Castillo is hitting .274 with six home runs, 29 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 68 Cuban league games this year. His previous two years were his best, where he posted averaged of .342 in 2013 and .320 in 2012 with a total of 43 home runs, 179 RBIs and 59 stolen bases. He's expected to add much needed speed to the Red Sox outfield.
Sox agree on 7 year 72.5m deal with Castillo , joins club this season: Source
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) August 22, 2014
