The Yankees held a private workout for Rusney Castillo on Friday at the minor league complex in Tampa and are interested in talking dollars with the free agent Cuban defector, who will have plenty of choices.
According to industry sources, the Phillies, Mariners, Giants, Tigers, Cubs, Red Sox and White Sox also have shown interest in Castillo.
And unlike other teams that were at the showcase event in Miami on July 26, to which the Yankees sent four scouts, the Yankees like the 27-year-old right-handed hitter as a second baseman. Other clubs believe the 5-foot-9, 205-pound Castillo’s future is in the outfield.
Boston and Philadelphia worked out Castillo at their facilities, and reports had the Cubs looking at him Wednesday in a private workout.
Billy Eppler, the Yankees’ assistant general manager, sent multiple scouts to watch Castillo’s workout Friday, but declined to share what was in the reports he received.
According to a person on the grounds in Tampa, the Yankees had several talent evaluators from the professional and international side watching Castillo, who travels with a guy who hits fungoes, another who throws batting practice and a third man who towels him off in between sessions.
Castillo is represented by Roc Nation, which is headed by Jay Z.
Unlike the showcase event, when Castillo hit against a personal batting practice pitcher, the right-handed hitter faced Yankees minor league pitchers Preston Claiborne and Caleb Cotham, who are rehabbing injuries at the complex.
The Yankees are impressed with Castillo’s work at second and, as do other clubs, like his athleticism and a body that reminds several of Rickey Henderson’s cut physique.
The Yankees believe if he signs with them, Castillo would open at second base and be moved to the outfield if needed.