Boston Red Sox prospect Triston Casas is getting close to the Majors.
The Boston Red Sox actually won a game on Wednesday. That’s not something we’ve heard a lot of this season. The win moved them to 7-18 on the year. So even with that brief moment of positivity, it’s really easy to get negative about this season. One way to put a nice silver lining around this season would be to get some prospects involved though.
Boston has already implemented Kyle Hart into the rotation, and he was the starter in that win on Wednesday. Jonathan Arauz has had a really nice impact on the lineup as well, while playing good defense around most of the infield.
Although neither of them are rookies, it’s really nice to see Alex Verdugo balling out (10-game hitting streak) and Rafael Devers start to really pick it up at the plate (six hits in his last two games).
So there is some really exciting youth on the Red Sox right now. And a lot more could be on the way.
There’s a pretty strong chance we see C.J. Chatham, Bobby Dalbec and Jarren Duran at some point this season. Josh Ockimey could make an appearance too. Jeter Downs and Connor Wong even have a chance of making the roster at some point.
Meanwhile, on the pitching side, Hart could be joined by Tanner Houck. Jay Groome and Bryan Mata have an outside chance, although Boston might just have them at the alternative site to get more work in.
Speaking of the alternative site, according to Jen McCaffrey of “The Athletic” someone else is joining soon – Triston Casas.
Also, Red Sox 1B prospect Triston Casas is expected to arrive at the alternate site in Pawtucket as early as Thursday.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) August 19, 2020
Casas is just 20, and entering 2019 he had just four career at-bats in the minors. So what did the left-handed hitter do in his first full season?
A lot. Casas raked to the tune of a .256/.350/.480 slash line. He managed 26 doubles, five triples and 20 home runs, while driving in 81 runs and scoring 66 more.
Impressively, he also showed good control of the plate. In 500 plate appearances, Casas struck out 118 times – not all that high for a power hitter. At the same time he managed 58 walks, showing he already has a pretty decent eye.
Something that fascinates me is how Casas tends to choke up on the bat. It is seen as something contact hitters do. Players with little-to-no power may do it as it gives them better bat control and they are just trying to slap some singles. For example, I choked up pretty hard in little league – and everyone knew I wasn’t going bridge any time soon.
Casas does it and still takes the pitch out of orbit. It’s insanity.
Showing up to the alternative site does not exactly mean Casas is going to be in the Majors tomorrow or anything crazy like that. It does tell us that he could be there at the drop of a hat though. At any moment Boston could decide it’s time to bring him up.
It sounds crazy considering he split time between Full-A and Advanced-A last season, but 2020 is weird. The Red Sox are 7-18 in a 60 game season. There isn’t much more time left for them to make a playoff push. In just a few weeks this could officially be a lost season for Boston.
So how do you find it again? You give the young guys a look. And what could be more exciting than bringing up Casas?
More from Red Sox Prospects
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- Predicting Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the majors
- Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
- Red Sox invited group of players you’ve probably never heard of to Spring Training
- Jeter Downs’ official departure will continue to haunt Red Sox
The first baseman (came in as a third baseman but played 834 2/3 innings at first and just 67 innings at third in 2019) is the second-ranked prospect in Boston’s system. And he was only recently dethroned when Downs was brought over in the Mookie Betts trade.
Casas has already shown improvements defensively and even at 20 with minimal MiLB time should be a fun at-bat in the Majors.
And speaking of his defense, playing first base – Boston currently has Mitch Moreland at the position. Everyone loves Moreland for good reason. He tends to put up good numbers at the plate and plays fantastic defense.
However, he’s 34 on a one-year deal (team option for 2021). And his absurd stats this year (.348/.434/.804) make him a perfect trade candidate. If the Red Sox decide to pack it up before the trade deadline, Moreland is the most likely name to be moved. That would leave a pretty big opening at first base. And why not replace one lefty with another?
Even if Casas does not make it to the Majors in 2020 though, this tells us everything we need to know. The Red Sox clearly has a very high opinion of the prospect. They already see him as much closer to the Majors than Advanced-A.
So even if it doesn’t happen in 2020, get ready for Triston Casas. It could be choke up season in the Boston soon enough.