Boston Red Sox 2018 first-round pick: Triston Casas (third baseman)
The Boston Red Sox used the 26th overall pick in the 2018 draft on third baseman Triston Casas.
Casas wasted absolutely zero time giving the Red Sox a reason to love their selection of him. In his first full season in the minor leagues (2019), the left-handed hitting first baseman slashed .256/.350/.480 with 26 doubles, five triples, and 20 home runs. He drove in 81 runs, scored 66 more, and stole three bases. Casas did all of that between Full-A and Advanced-A.
Sadly, the following year was 2020. That put things to a halt for a season. Then in 2021, Casas started the year in Double-A despite having played just two games (seven at-bats) in Advanced-A.
Casas put up strong numbers there for 77 games and was rewarded with a late-season promotion to Triple-A.
Boston's top prospect managed a solid 2022 season despite some injuries, and by the end of it, he found himself in the Major Leagues.
Casas made the Opening Day roster as the team's starting first baseman in 2023. Drafted as a third baseman, he played nine games there before moving off the position permanently following the 2019 season.
At the time of writing, Casas has struggled when it comes to the numbers. However, there's a lot to love. He's a good defensive first baseman, and he has a great approach at the plate. Casas possesses a plus eye with plus power.
Bad luck has hampered him in 2023. A decent amount of fans would agree that Casas will figure it out, though.
Even if you aren't in that group, it's hard to argue that he didn't get to the Majors relatively fast. Especially considering he had the 2020 season interrupt his development at a crucial part.
Triston Casas is only 23 and already the starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox. A late first-round pick in 2018 getting that far so fast has to count for something.
It will be easy to give him a clear rating in a few years. But for now, Casas deserves some love, in my opinion.
Draft Grade: A-