Sep 25, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Rusney Castillo (38) hits a three run home run during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
3. Rusney Castillo, Red Sox
Castillo, whom the Red Sox signed to the largest contract ever for a Cuban player last August (a 7-year deal worth $72.5M), has the potential to be the best center fielder in the AL East this year. However, with just 10 major league games under his belt, there’s just too much uncertainty to rank him any higher than third. With an impressive stint in Boston last season, in which he slashed .333/.400/.528 with 2 home runs, and in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he went 15-37, Castillo has shown that he has a huge ceiling. He has the potential to be a legitimate five-tool player, packing surprising power into his 5’8″ frame while adding blazing speed on the base paths, which also helps him display excellent range in center field. At 27 years old, Castillo is right in his prime and he should be a key contributor for the Red Sox next season.