Triston Casas Admits Red Sox Landed ‘Better Player’ In Wilson Contreras

Triston Casas might be upset about the Red Sox trading for Wilson Contreras, who could replace him as the full-time first baseman. And, on some level, he probably is upset about it.

But Casas also is realistic about where he and Contreras are in their respective careers. And, during Fenway Fest on Saturday, Casas offered a refreshingly honest take on Boston upgrading at his position.

“As of right now, the way it is, he’s a better player than me and has been for his entire career,” Casas told reporters, via Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “To upgrade at a position that has been deficient for the last two years is exactly what the team needed.”

Triston Casas on Red Sox acquiring Willson Contreras to play 1B: "As of right now, the way it is, he's a better player than me and has been for his entire career. To upgrade at a position that has been deficient for the last two eyars is exactly what the team needed."

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 10, 2026

Whether Contreras will become the full-time first baseman remains to be seen. There’s a world in which Casas fully rebounds from last season’s patellar tendon tear and reclaims a starting role. However, given the seriousness of the injury that Casas suffered, a best-case scenario could be Casas and Contreras platooning at first base and designated hitter.

Regardless, Contreras will have a big role.

“I know Willson will probably hit fourth,” manager Alex Cora said at Fenway Fest. “I know that one.”

Casas entered the big leagues as a high-end offensive prospect and showed promise across parts of his first two seasons. But injuries and inconsistency at the plate and in the field have left his career in limbo.

“I definitely believe in my abilities and think they’re up there with the best in the game,” Casas said. “I’ve just got to be on the field, stay healthy and get that sample size. I’ve had good stretches as a major league player. I’ve had mostly bad ones.

“I see and know the habits of the best and I think I’m right there with them. I haven’t shown it on the field, but mentally, I think that I still have that potential of being an All-Star-caliber player.”

Over his first four seasons, Casas hit .241 with 45 homers and an .800 OPS over 251 games. The 33-year-old Contreras is a career .258 hitter with 172 homers and an .811 OPS.