The Boston Red Sox and their fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their slugging first baseman, Triston Casas.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since April 20 with a rib cartilage injury. Multiple proposed return dates have come and gone without a significant breakthrough in Casas' recovery. Most recently, it was reported that he's swinging a bat and may begin hitting in the cage soon.
Casas still needs to get through a rehab assignment before he can be reinstated to the Red Sox roster — if all goes well with the rest of his rehab. At this stage of the season, he could be one setback away from missing the second half entirely.
Boston's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow mentioned a right-handed bat as a potential trade target before the July 30 deadline. A righty first baseman could be a great fallback option if Casas' recovery goes south or he's cold at the plate upon his return. Justin Turner, a 2023 Red Sox fan favorite, could be a quality option.
These Red Sox deserve reinforcements, and here’s two familiar faces who’d fit perfectly https://t.co/0eHWOBvxyC
— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) July 18, 2024
Justin Turner could be a first base trade target for Red Sox
The 16-year MLB veteran hoped to resign with the Red Sox before the 2024 slate, but the front office opted not to bring him back. It seemed they made the right call once this season began — Turner slashed just .111/.210/.139 in May. But Turner turned his fortunes around in June and slashed .333/.465/.449 the following month.
The 39-year-old can play both corner infield spots and would be a reliable replacement at first base until Casas returns or when he needs a rest day. Rafael Devers skipped his third All-Star game to rest his sore shoulder and has been in visible pain on the field. Turner could also play third base if Devers needs a break.
Turner would bring years of playoff experience that the Sox's current players lack. Boston is one of the youngest teams in the league and a dose of knowledge from a veteran could go a long way for the squad.
When Turner played in Boston, he fit in well and immediately embraced the city. The team and fans could rally around the vet as they push for the postseason.