Red Sox Seem to Have Forgotten About Slugger Triston Casas

Boston has another power-hitting option, but he may be the odd man out after a major injury and offseason trades.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Triston Casas, a promising young slugger for the Boston Red Sox, had previously looked like the team's first baseman of the future. However, a ruptured patellar tendon injury last May ended his 2023 season and seemingly cost him his status as a long-term starter. This offseason, the Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras, who appears likely to start at first base, leaving Casas in a difficult position to earn playing time.

Why it matters

Casas was once considered a key part of Boston's future, but the combination of his injury and the team's offseason moves have put his role in doubt. As the Red Sox look to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign, finding a way to incorporate Casas' power bat could be crucial, especially if the team's outfield and designated hitter logjam leads to further roster shuffling.

The details

Casas, now 26 years old, is coming off a breakout 2023 season in which he hit 24 home runs. However, the ruptured patellar tendon injury he suffered last May ended his season prematurely and seemingly cost him his status as the Red Sox's long-term first baseman. This offseason, Boston traded for Willson Contreras, who is expected to take over the majority of the playing time at first base, leaving Casas in a difficult position to earn consistent at-bats.

  • Casas suffered a ruptured patellar tendon injury in May 2023, ending his season.
  • The Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras this offseason, likely making him the team's starting first baseman.

The players

Triston Casas

A 26-year-old slugger who was previously considered the Boston Red Sox's first baseman of the future, but is now facing an uncertain role after a major injury and the team's offseason acquisition of Willson Contreras.

Willson Contreras

A veteran catcher and first baseman who was traded to the Boston Red Sox this offseason and is expected to take over the majority of the playing time at first base.

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What they’re saying

“He's 26 now, and three years removed from his breakout season, a 24-homer campaign in 2023. There's not an obvious roster fit here, either, with Willson Contreras set to receive the lion's share of playing time at first base and a glut of outfielders spilling into the DH spot. But Boston's re-tooled lineup still seems like it's one power bat short, and Casas has shown he can slug.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

Casas will be closely monitored during spring training to determine if he is ready for Opening Day after his injury. If he can prove he is healthy and productive, the Red Sox may find a way to incorporate his power bat into their lineup, even with the crowded outfield and designated hitter situations.

The takeaway

Triston Casas was once considered a key part of the Red Sox's future, but a major injury and the team's offseason moves have put his role in doubt. However, if Casas can show he is fully recovered and can still provide the power the Red Sox lineup needs, he may be able to carve out a spot and prove he is not the forgotten man in Boston.