Red Sox Place Rusney Castillo on Waivers

The Boston Red Sox have made several bad signings over the past few years, and Rusney Castillo is close to the top of that list. Yesterday, they decided to cut ties with the disappointing outfielder.

When the Boston Red Sox signed Rusney Castillo to a seven year, $72.5 Million contract during the 2014 season, it was thought that they had finally found their center fielder of the future. Castillo was considered a five tool player, although, even at age 26, he was still a raw talent. However, the hope was that he would develop quickly, and solidify a Red Sox outfield that had been a complete disaster.

He showed flashes of potential, hitting two home runs and stealing three bases in his ten game trial in 2014. However, he failed to earn a starting spot in 2015, and struggled to a .253/.288/.359 batting line. His power did not develop as hoped, with five home runs in 273 at bats, as Castillo just never seemed as though he would be what had been advertised.

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This year, even with all of the injury issues that the Red Sox have had in the outfield, Castillo barely received any playing time. Players like Brock Holt and deposed catcher Blake Swihart had a chance to claim the position, while Castillo received a grand total of eight plate appearances in nine games. As such, it may not be a surprise that the Red Sox have decided to place Castillo on waivers, outrighting him from the 40 man roster.

Chances are, Castillo will clear waivers, as it is hard to imagine any team would be willing to pick up the remainder of his contract, which runs through 2019 and includes an option for 2020. With that being the case, the Red Sox could well keep Castillo in Pawtucket, in hopes that he rebuilds some value going forward. However, it is difficult to imagine a team biting on the formerly highly touted Cuban, unless he suddenly finds his stroke at AAA and starts hitting once again.

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The Boston Red Sox were hoping that Rusney Castillo would be a key piece to their future. Instead, it appears as though his time has run out.