MLB Rumors: Gerrit Cole Agent Scott Boras Speaks On Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dallas Keuchel And Nicholas Castellanos

Gerrit Cole’s agent, Scott Boras, has spoken openly about the free agent market now that he landed Cole a record-breaking contract and has given his opinions on Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dallas Keuchel and Nicholas Castellanos.

All three are represented by Boras and he claims two are getting ample attention from multiple suitors. One, meanwhile, hasn’t really generated much interest although the market in his case is more to blame for that.

With Stephen Strasburg, Madison Bumgarner and Zach Wheeler all off the free agent starting pitcher market, the path for both Ryu and Keuchel to sign is much clearer. Castellanos, meanwhile, will likely have to wait for teams to sign pitchers and other position players before getting an offer.

Speaking of the interest in Ryu and Keuchel, Scott Boras said, “The pitching market has obviously been fast and furious as it was from the start. Clubs are identifying their needs, and we’re certainly narrowing the corridor of finality. It could happen soon.”

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the agent declined to comment on the suitors for either player but did say that he is in “deep negotiations” over both left-handed hurlers. There is no shortage of potential landing spots for either.

Ryu has drawn interest from the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins in recent weeks.

Keuchel, meanwhile, is being linked with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs as well as the Cardinals, White Sox and Angels. The market for corner outfielder Castellanos is not nearly as developed.

Few free agent outfielders have agreed to terms with new teams this winter although Avisail Garcia did sign a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. That move could spark some movement in the market.

Scott Boras said of the situation, “It’s funny how the pockets of the game work; pitching, catching, center field all moved quickly here. But when you look at the [corner] outfield aspect of it, it has been a market where everyone is kind of taking care of their pitching staff because many other teams have gone after that product, so they’re forced to do it even if they wanted to address the outfield. That whole market has yet to hit.”

Castellanos has been linked with a return to the Cubs as well as with a move to the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. Other outfield options still available on the market include Marcell Ozuna, Yasiel Puig, Corey Dickerson and Kole Calhoun.