The Boston Red Sox have expressed their commitment to creating a new core of homegrown players to better the team for the future.
They've started to make good on that promise with the recent extension for 24-year-old pitcher Brayan Bello. But there's another great candidate for an extension waiting to open a discussion with the front office.
Triston Casas had a breakout season for the Red Sox in 2023 and, hopefully, he has another quality campaign coming in 2024. Boston's manager Alex Cora has referred to Casas as the team's offseason "MVP" for his work on and off the field.
Casas has expressed interest in an extension with the Red Sox, even saying he would like to play in Boston "forever," and the two parties have discussed the possibility of a deal. However, Casas told reporters at the Red Sox's Dominican Republic Series games that the conversation has not progressed far. There have been no discussions about money yet.
Triston Casas is still working to earn an extension with the Red Sox
Many fans think that Boston should hold off on an extension for Casas. He broke out in the second half of last season after quite a slow opening to the year. Some would like to see prolonged consistency from the first baseman before discussions get serious. Even Casas himself tends to agree.
“I don’t feel that I’ve earned a contract extension," he said to Conor Ryan of Boston.com. "I don’t feel that I’ve developed that type of game to merit a long-term extension and contract. So if I don’t get that offer, I’m not upset at anybody in the organization. I’m not upset with myself.”
Listen to the sound of this Triston Casas homer
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 13, 2024
My goodness 😳
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/vVYgvpfxpl
Casas said he understands that Red Sox fans expect great things from the players on the team. He seems ready to put in even more work to earn the extension he wants. If he can produce the same way he did at the end of last season — he registered the fourth-highest OPS in the major leagues in the second half of 2023 — he may well earn the contract soon.
Casas' offensive skillset, personality and potential as a team leader make him a great extension candidate for the Red Sox. He has a good relationship with the club's up-and-coming players and he's already garnering respect throughout the league for his potential.
It doesn't sound like an extension for Casas is coming in the near future. Hopefully, Casas can continue his offensive dominance from the back half of 2023 and he and Boston can get a deal done to keep him in a Red Sox uniform long-term.