Red Sox’s Triston Casas Gives Self-Aware Assessment Ahead Of 2026

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas is nothing if not pragmatic.

Casas has been tremendous when healthy, slashing .241/.358/.452 with 45 home runs and 120 RBIs across up-and-down stretches that include only 251 games played from 2022 to 2025.

It’s just that whole “when healthy” part that really throws a wrench in things…

Casas has missed more than 80 games in three of his first four seasons in Boston, suffering an odd rib cartilage issue and a season-ending rupture of his left patellar tendon that halted momentum across two different seasons. Boston just can’t rely on him given his history, which is completely understandable to the now-veteran first baseman.

“I definitely believe in my abilities and think they’re up there with the best in the game. I’ve just got to be on the field, stay healthy and get that sample size,” Casas said at “Fenway Fest” on Saturday, as shared by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “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.”

Will he have the opportunity to show that this season?

The Red Sox essentially went ahead with finding his replacement, completing a trade for former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras.

Casas gets it.

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

Boston will be better off for having made the move, as it now has multiple options at first base and designated hitter, with the logjam in the outfield further establishing depth at that latter position. Casas will be given an opportunity to find at-bats, and given his current outlook, there shouldn’t be much doubt about whether or not he’s looking to take advantage,