House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves must part with Matt Kemp

By Fred Owens

Atlanta Braves Outfielder Matt Kemp seen here hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins had an injury plagued season. That makes his contract a burden and the Braves need to trade him to make room for younger players. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves Outfielder Matt Kemp seen here hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins had an injury plagued season. That makes his contract a burden and the Braves need to trade him to make room for younger players. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Rusney Castillo is excess to the Red Sox needs but they are short on power, that's something Atlanta Braves Matt Kemp could correct.
Rusney Castillo is excess to the Red Sox needs but they are short on power, that’s something Atlanta Braves Matt Kemp could correct. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Let’s trade problems

In 2014 the Red Sox signed Cuban defector  Rusney Castillo as an international free agent to a seven year $72M deal . He started well posting a .333/.400/.528/.928 line including two homers which translated to a .409 wOBA and 162 wRC+.

The following season he appeared in 80 games, hit five home runs and slumped to .253/.288/.359/.647, with a .283 wOBA and 73 wRC+ so he was demoted to AAA.

He struggled in AAA for two years while in Boston a new front office team arrived. along with the outfield of the future; Mookie Betts. Jackie Bradley Jr., and Andrew Benintendi. Two of Cherrington’s other signings however had their issues.

Ben’s bad deals

Pablo Sandoval played badly, had surgery and the Sox ultimately ate his contract. Hanely settled in at first base until David Ortiz left when he took over as DH. Ramirez posted a nice line but a shoulder issue limited him to 133 games.

This season the Sox lineup lacked the pop it used to have. They finished sixth in runs scored but dead last in home runs with 168. Apropos of nothing, the Braves had 165.

Meanwhile at Pawtucket, Castillo ran roughshod over AAA pitching. In 347 AB he slashed .314/.350/.507/.857, 15 homers, 22 doubles, a .378 wOBA and 138 wRC+.

He plays a decent outfield defense as well posting 15 DRS in 614 outfield innings in Boston.

Why didn’t Boston call him up?  They had a full outfield, a full roster and no payroll room. Boston finished this season with  $222.5M  and a luxury tax bill for the third straight year; Castillo’s 11.7M would have hurt them pretty badly.

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