Red Sox Suffer Another Setback with Triston Casas Injury

Highly touted prospect's return from ankle surgery delayed further

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:16pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player swinging a bat, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, navy blue, and white colors.The Red Sox's injury woes with top prospect Triston Casas expose the team's need for depth at first base.Boston Today

The Boston Red Sox's offseason acquisition of All-Star catcher Willson Contreras is looking increasingly prescient, as the team's top first base prospect, Triston Casas, has suffered another setback in his recovery from ankle surgery. According to manager Alex Cora, Casas' recent attempt to resume swinging a bat 'didn't go well' as he continues to work his way back from the injury.

Why it matters

Casas was expected to compete for the starting first base job this season, but his ongoing injury issues have complicated the Red Sox's plans at the position. The team's decision to trade for Contreras, who can play first base, has provided insurance in case Casas is not ready to contribute early in the season.

The details

Casas underwent ankle surgery in the offseason and had been progressing well in his rehab, but his latest setback means the 23-year-old will likely miss the start of the 2026 campaign. The Red Sox are being cautious with their top prospect, who hit .273 with 28 home runs at Triple-A last year, in order to ensure he makes a full recovery.

  • Casas underwent ankle surgery in the offseason.
  • Casas recently tried to resume swinging a bat, but the attempt 'didn't go well' according to manager Alex Cora.

The players

Triston Casas

The Boston Red Sox's top first base prospect, who hit .273 with 28 home runs at Triple-A in 2025.

Willson Contreras

An All-Star catcher acquired by the Red Sox in the offseason, who can also play first base.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“Triston Casas tried swinging in Fort Myers and it 'didn't go well'”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to monitor Casas' progress and provide updates on his recovery timeline. The team is hopeful he will be able to contribute at some point during the 2026 season, but his status for Opening Day remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's decision to acquire Willson Contreras in the offseason is looking increasingly prudent, as the team's top first base prospect Triston Casas continues to deal with injury setbacks. The team will need to rely on Contreras and other options at first base until Casas is fully healthy and ready to contribute at the major league level.