Report: Cubs Not Expected To Place Big Bid For Rusney Castillo
(CBS) A day after news broke that the Cubs were one of six finalists in the sweepstakes for Cuban star and free agent Rusney Castillo, it appears the team's interest has waned.
The Tigers, Red Sox and Giants remain in the mix for Castillo, while the Cubs, Yankees and Phillies aren't expected to place high bids for him, Fox Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal reported.
The Cubs had previously held a private workout for Castillo, a 27-year-old who most believe projects as an outfielder in the big leagues. A decision on Castillo's future is expected by week's end, CBS Sports baseball insider Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.
The bidding for Castillo is also expected to be "spirited," Heyman reported, after his impressive workouts and the recent success of fellow Cubans like Jose Abreu and Yasiel Puig.
Estimates ranged from $35 million to $55 million to nab Castillo, Heyman reported.
Ultimately, though, it appears the Cubs didn't see enough in Castillo to justify his price at this point in their rebuilding process. Certainly, the logjam of outfielders with big league potential that Chicago has played a part as well. Youngsters Arismendy Alcantara and Matt Szczur have already made their major league debuts for the Cubs this year, and minor leaguers Jorge Soler and Albert Almora should figure into the future mix, too. And that's to say nothing of top prospect Kris Bryant, currently a third baseman at Triple-A Iowa who could project as a corner outfielder in the majors.
