According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Boston Red Sox placed outfielder Rusney Castillo on outright waivers Saturday. That would mean teams have until Monday to place a claim on Castillo. If they don't, he'll be removed from Boston's 40-man roster and outrighted to the minor leagues.
Given Castillo's hefty contract, it's very unlikely that another team will place a claim on Castillo. He signed a seven-year, $72.5M contract in 2014 after defecting from Cuba. Castillo is due a $10.5M salary this year, and could make up to an additional $46M more through the 2020 season if his player option is exercised following the 2018 season.
Needless to say, that's a lot of financial baggage. Given his struggles to adjust to MLB, no team should be itching to assume that money. Instead, Boston will have to hope the 29-year-old outfielder makes some strides to either contribute or enhance his trade value, which at this point seems like the most beneficial resolution for both sides.
A look at Castillo's numbers may not cause great alarm. He's hit .262/.301/.379 in 337 big-league plate appearances. But the Red Sox were obviously looking for more development after signing him a little less than three years ago.
When Castillo failed to make the opening day roster this season, that was a telling sign that he'd yet to earn the trust of Boston's coaching staff. Though he did receive a call up recently with Boston needing some extra depth, his numbers at Triple-A reflected a player who was spinning his tires and unlikely to make the desired impact any time soon. There, he hit .245/.304/.320.
Where Castillo's future lies is anyone's guess at this point, but it's certain the Red Sox regret giving him that massive contract.
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