Could The Yankees Target Cuban Outfielder Rusney Castillo?

Dec 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman during a introductory press conference for new outfielder Carlos Beltran at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Back in the day, if there was top foreign talent available, you knew the Yankees would do whatever they could to lock them up. Some of them worked (Orlando Hernandez), some of them didn’t (Kei Igawa), some of them were in between (Jose Contreras). With the exception of Masahiro Tanaka, the Yankees haven’t really spent on foreign free agents. How good would Yasiel Puig or Yoenis Cespedes look in a Yankee unform?

Which brings me to Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who will be working out for clubs on July 26 in Miami. Castillo is more of a line drive hitter with good speed. He’s put on 20 pounds according to Baseball America’s Ben Badler and could potentially help a team later on this season after he signs. Castillo is just 27 years old, so he’d be right in his prime of his career. Some scouts have projected him as more of a fourth outfielder type, which oh by the way, the Yankees don’t have on their roster anyway.

He may not be a star, but here’s the thing, if h’es impressive in his workout, the Yankees have to take a shot at him. The Yankees don’t have a lot of top talent that’s close to the majors to help the club. Even if Castillo can be a helpful piece down the line, it’s still something the Yankees should try and do.

The Yankees went out and spent a small fortune on 17 and 18 year olds in the international free agent period. The Yankees have an opportunity to spend money on someone who is much much closer to helping them right now. If Castillo puts on a show next weekend, the Yanks must strike.