Red Sox top prospect Triston Casas has a bullseye on 2022 for his debut

The future for the Red Sox is now with Triston Casas

We may not have an end in sight for the labor stoppage but that hasn’t stopped the MLB wheels from turning. While the big dogs are handcuffed from participating in any legitimate team activities, that doesn’t mean those selected from the MiLB ranks can’t get their work in during the Winter Warm-Up Camp. As has been the case for the last few seasons, all eyes should be firmly on Red Sox prospect Triston Casas.

The slugging infielder is currently ranked #1 by Sox Prospects while sitting as the 19th overall ranked prospect by Baseball America. The future is bright for the big first baseman and he has his eyes set firmly on making his debut, and an impact, in 2022. He’s done the damn thing at every level he’s played at and now he has a map of Boston with Fenway Park circled. Casas spoke to the media while in camp and his intentions for this season are quite clear.

"“I feel like every year has been my year, but more importantly, this one that’s coming up in front of me,” Casas said Wednesday. “I think it will continue to be that way from here on out, whether I’m expected to make the major-league roster or go back to Triple-A. I’m always just looking forward to what’s ahead of me.”"

The current Red Sox roster is in a state of flux as the outfield is being shifted around while the infield also has some questions that need to be answered. We won’t be able to see the picture more clearly until the lockout ends and Chaim Bloom can sign some players.

Both Kyle Schwarber and Seiya Suzuki are favorites to play in Boston this season, which is a step in the right direction. But a battle for first base could be on our hands in spring training and Casas has to be a favorite.

Bobby Dalbec currently calls first base his home but with very mixed results through his first full season in the big leagues doesn’t guarantee him his spot. The best-case scenario could mean a platoon with Dalbec and Casas at first, giving Alex Cora a power-hitting duo from each side of the plate.

"“I know that it’s going to happen one day and I just want to prepare as well as possible and make an impact when I get there, more importantly,” Casas added. “Hopefully, I’ll get a one-way ticket.”"

Now, adding Schwarber and Suzuki to the recipe could make things a bit more complicated, but at the end of the day, Casas will be showing up in Boston, it’s just a matter of when. It isn’t just about making it to The Show for Triston, he wants to do whatever he has to in order to stay there. If he can have a strong camp and spring training, I don’t think that’ll be an issue for the 22-year-old.

It hasn’t mattered what level Casas has played in, he’s succeeded. Everything from the Minors, to the Olympics, to fall and winter leagues the world over. He’s crushed every challenge placed in front of him and the Red Sox have to be thrilled with what they’re seeing from the young prospect.

One thing that sets I’m apart from past slugging prospects is his desire to get on base. When it comes to power hitters the usual M.O. is going yard and crushing the ball. For Casas, his success relies on a theory that focusing mainly on the on-base percentage will lead to more success when it comes to mashing the ball. It’s hard to disagree with his mindset as it’s pretty clear that it’s working for him.

"“Pretty much my whole career up until now, I’ve always chased on-base percentage as opposed to slugging percentage, Casas said.” “I feel like on-base puts you in a good process to make contact, grind out at-bats, swing at good pitches. That all leads toward the end result of wanting to slug, wanting to drive the ball. More importantly, to be a power hitter you shouldn’t try to hit home runs or try to make something happen. I know I’m plenty big and strong enough.”"

Under Chaim Bloom, the Red Sox have rebuilt their farm system and now have a crop of very exciting young talent that are chomping at the bit to get to the Majors. Triston Casas may not be a Bloom guy through drafting but he surely is through the last two years of development. We all know how Chaim likes to build and grow a team and Casas fits that plan perfectly. As I said, it’s a matter of when and not if as far as Triston’s promotion, and I fully believe he’ll be more than ready.