Red Sox’s Alex Cora Sends Triston Casas Message
Triston Casas could play a big role next season
The Boston Red Sox have been busy this offseason, and with rumors about their connection to many top free agents, Triston Casas has been lost in the shuffle. However, Alex Cora spoke on the young slugger at the winter meetings.
“Throughout this process, this last month, not too many people are talking about Triston,” Cora said on Monday during an interview with MLB Network. “Last year, if you think about that lineup in Texas for opening day, it was (Rafael Devers) hitting second, Alex (Bregman) hitting third and Triston was hitting fourth.
“He’s still talented. He’s still a good hitter. We just have to get him healthy. He’s been in Fort Myers the whole time after the season. That’s great for a young guy that knows what he needs to do to compete. He’s done that. Hopefully, we can get him healthy. There’s no timetable right now. We just have to get him right, and hopefully he can contribute next year.”
Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in May. However, he was not playing well to that point. He was hitting just .182 and had just three home runs. He was a hot name in trade rumors last offseason, but the Red Sox held on to him.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow last offseason noted that he believed Casas is a player capable of a 40-home run, 120-RBI season, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. This offseason, the Red Sox’s belief in Casas seemingly stands. However, injuries have held him back.
His healthiest season came in 2023, when he played 132 games. He slashed .263/.367/.490 with 24 home runs that year and finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year race. The Red Sox are reportedly looking at power hitters in free agency, but they may already have a great one in Casas.
Unfortunately for Casas, he will have to prove himself once again. On the bright side, he seems to have the Red Sox’s support going into the season, meaning he will be given a fair shot to do so.
What the Red Sox do in free agency could impact how much Casas plays or where he plays. He could see more time as a designated hitter to accommodate other players getting in the lineup, but when healthy, he could be a great piece for the Red Sox.
