Former (brief) Red Sox player hypes up Triston Casas as slugger's return nears

Triston Casas has caught attention across MLB since his 2022 debut. From his interesting pregame routine to American League Rookie of the Year consideration the following year, Casas is known for his uniqueness, on the field and off.

The 24-year-old's personality has secured him a mix of criticism and admiration from Boston Red Sox and MLB fans alike. Former Red Sox first baseman, Eric Hosmer, stands firmly in the second camp.

On a recent installment of NESN's Red Sox alt-cast called "Unobstructed Views," Hosmer appeared as a guest and layered praise onto the young first baseman.

"Triston's got way more pop than I do, bro, I'll tell you what, I would have started painting my nails if I could hit homers like he does," Hosmer said. "I will say this, man: Triston, his routine, his process, his mental game is so far advanced from everybody else."

Hosmer, an All-Star and four-time Gold Glover, played with the Red Sox in the back half of the 2022 slate, when Casas debuted. The young first baseman caught heat for his interesting habits and had people in the organization tell him to stop doing his pregame routine so publicly.

Former Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer praises Triston Casas' game and personality

As Sox fans know, he didn't listen. And Hosmer credited him for that, too.

"I remember his debut when I was out there, it was a day game, and he's out there at nine in the morning doing yoga, just shirtless on the middle of Fenway Park," he said. "Everyone's like 'What's he doing out there?' and I'm like, 'bro, I love it.' The fact that he's confident enough to go out there and do it, stay true to yourself, buddy."

Hosmer stated that, when he was traded to the Red Sox, he and Casas would split playing time at first base. The then-veteran said the organization described him as a future centerpiece for the squad and early in his career, Casas has shown he's capable of such a role.

He'll continue his case for a future leadership post in the clubhouse and a contract extension when he's reinstated from his rehab assignment with the WooSox, which could be any day now. Casas has drilled five doubles since his stint began on July 30, his bat speed has ticked up and he's hit the ball hard.

Rehab assignments carry a maximum length of 20 days, which makes Aug. 19 the absolute latest return date for the first baseman. Until then, Red Sox Nation will be on the edge of its seat, waiting for any news on Casas' rehab.

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