As if the Boston Red Sox's infield wasn't stressed enough, it'll now go without Triston Casas at first base for "a while."
The young slugger has been diagnosed with a fractured rib after he was pulled from Boston's April 20 game against the Pirates. The outlook for the injury was never great, as Casas admitted to being in a lot of pain as the Sox's lineup is already riddled with other ailments, but a fractured rib is among the worst outcomes for the first baseman.
Bobby Dalbec has been getting the majority of the reps at first base in Casas' stead, but there may be a better option for the job, and he's already in the American League East.
Six-time All-Star Joey Votto departed the Reds organization this offseason and he's currently on a minor-league deal with the division rival Blue Jays. He's been injured, so he's yet to play a game in the Jays' franchise. Votto struggled to find a home as a free agent this winter — the first baseman underwent surgery in 2022 for an injury he had been playing through since 2015, and he has not been the same player since.
Red Sox could sign Joey Votto as Triston Casas' replacement should he opt out of Blue Jays contract
Votto could still be a fine option for the Sox in Casas' absence, though. He would likely swing the bat better than Dalbec has — Boston's backup first baseman has one hit in 15 games and he's only walked three times.
Votto hasn't had a quality season at the plate since 2021, and he received some long-shot MVP votes that year after batting .266/.375/.563 with 36 home runs and 99 RBI. In 2023, the Canadian native only played in 65 games and batted .202/.314/.433 with 62 strikeouts.
The veteran infielder has recently become more well-known for his personality. Votto showcased his comedic tendencies during his free agency through a series of social media posts as he hoped for a contract.
I'd rock with Joey Votto should he opt out. His approach at the plate is phenomenal even in his diminished physical ability.
— Jordan Leandre (@JordanLeandre55) April 23, 2024
I will add though that he's presently injured. I still would prefer to add Brandon Belt, but that seems above what the Red Sox wanna add ig.
That personality would fit in flawlessly with this year's Red Sox team. Not only are the Red Sox self-titled "good vibes" champions, but manager Alex Cora admitted that the locker room lacks an emotional leader in Trevor Story's absence. Votto is a likely Hall of Famer with 17 years of MLB experience, and he could help Boston's clubhouse in its time of need and serve as a mentor for the young squad.
The Red Sox would either need to make a trade for the first baseman or send some cash Toronto's way unless Votto opts out of his contract with the Jays after his ankle is healed.
Votto still has not begun a rehab assignment for the ankle ailment that has kept him sidelined since the beginning of spring training, and it would be in the Red Sox's best interest to sign someone healthy and ready to go immediately. But if Votto's injury is cleared up soon, the veteran could be a good addition to Boston's roster and a fine mentor for its young players.