Rusney Castillo Declared Free Agent, Represented By Roc Nation

Cuban free agent outfielder Rusney Castillo, 26, has officially been declared a free agent and will be represented by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America. The 26-year-old is expected to hold a showcase for interested clubs soon.

Badler writes that, while Castillo is not viewed as an impact talent on the level of some of his countrymen who have broken into the bigs in recent years, he is definitely considered to have major league ability. Scouts have been split as to whether he is more likely to be an everyday option or a fourth outfielder. Castillo is a solid line-drive hitter with excellent speed, says Badler, and is said to be capable of playing center.

While it is far too early to handicap where Castillo will ultimately sign, the Orioles and Dodgers are among the clubs that have reportedly scouted him recently. As Badler notes on Twitter, the news is also notable for Castillo’s choice of representation. Roc Nation, which famously announced its entrance by taking on Robinson Cano as a client (and also represents C.C. Sabathia), appears now to be positioning itself in the Cuban market.