Boston Red Sox: Rusney Castillo Poised for Productive 2015 Season

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox have high hopes for center fielder Rusney Castillo, especially now with Yoenis Cespedes set to take the diamond as a member of the Detroit Tigers. Castillo joined to the club this past summer on a seven-year deal after defecting from Cuba. Following a stint in the Winter League, Boston’s investment seems to be on the verge of paying off in a big way.

When the Red Sox dished out $72 million to acquire Castillo, it was obvious that the high-end talent was their, just in need of some fine tuning. Castillo had been away from the game for a year-and-a-half when he signed. Therefore the team sent him to Winter Ball in order to sharpen his game. Based on his performance, all signs suggest Castillo could play a major role for the 2015 Red Sox.

Former Red Sox infielder Alex Cora served as Castillo’s manager in the Puerto Rican Winter League. According to Cora, Castillo is ready to contribute at the Major League level. His approach at the plate and defensive stability in center field impressed those who were coaching Castillo.

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“He’€™s ready to play in the big leagues. Mentally, we were very impressed with his approach. He didn’€™t try and pull too much. Most of his hits were back up the middle, right-center. Defensively was the part that caught our eye. He did a really good job in center field,” Cora told Rob Bradford of WEEI on Monday.

With that said, Castillo could end up as a vital cog within what figures to be a potent offensive lineup. Castillo batted an eye-popping .405 in 37 at-bats in the Winter League. Castillo is also known for his speed. He’ll likely tally many runs if he can consistently reach base, especially with the likes of David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval and Dustin Pedroia batting in the same lineup.

Now Castillo does have some competition for the starting job in center. Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley both play center as well. With Ramirez set to assume left field, Castillo likely figures to be the guy in center, while Betts and Bradley battle it out in right.

Cora was also impressed with Castillo’s presence in the dugout and how he pays great attention to detail.