Hot Stove Lunch: Rusney Castillo invited to spring training, but likely won't stay long; Cubs eyeing Harper and more

This is a daily BSJ off-season feature that will arrive in time for your lunch, Monday-Friday.

A spin around the leagues with the latest news, notes, and rumors around Major League Baseball

RED SOX

Among the 16 non-roster players the Red Sox invited to spring training Tuesday was Rusney Castillo. Castillo has become largely forgotten after failing in 2014-2016, playing just 99 games combined for the Sox in those three seasons.

He enjoyed a bounce-back season last year at Pawtucket, with an .857 OPS, finally delivering on the promise the Sox had for him when he signed a seven-year, $72.5-million deal in 2014.

On the face of it, that kind of play would make Castillo a candidate to become the team's fourth outfielder in 2018. But there's a problem. After being outrighted in 2016, Castillo isn't on the 40-man roster so his salary doesn't count toward the luxury tax. If the Sox were to add him to the 40-man (and by extension, 25-man) roster, his salary would again count and make the management of the payroll that much more difficult.

Perhaps Castillo will get a decent amount of playing time this spring, as the Sox attempt to showcase him for a deal. But barring some unforeseen circumstance, Grapefruit League games may be as close as Castillo gets to the big leagues this season.

AL EAST

Joel Sherman has a trade proposal for the Yankees and Rockies.

The Orioles are trying to work out deals with two players headed to arbitration.

The Rays have set their game time for the season opener with the Red Sox.

AL CENTRAL

Some of the trades the Tigers have made are starting to look better.

A few young hitters impressed at the White Sox mini-camp.

Royals pitcher Danny Duffy copped a plea

AL WEST

A look at the Angels' busy off-season

Joe Musgrove, dealt to the Pirates in the Gerrit Cole, looks back at his time with the Astros.

Texas GM Jon Daniels is sticking to his plan

NL

Are the Cubs gearing up for a run at Bryce Harper next winter?

TAKE I MAY REGRET IN A MONTH

Have we seen the last of Ichiro Suzuki in a major league uniform?

Sadly, that may be the case. Ichiro, who has 3,020 hits in his MLB career, has been unable to find any takers this winter. At 44, he's no longer an everyday player but could still help out as a role player. Like a lot of other free agents this winter, however, he's finding it to be slow going on the market and may have to return home to Japan to continue his career.

That would be a shame. Ichiro has been an electrifying presence here for more than 15 years and is surely headed for Cooperstown. Here's hoping he gets the chance to play another year in MLB.