The Boston Red Sox have not been able to rely on Triston Casas to play anything close to a full season of baseball since his 2023 rookie season, and his long-term injuries have resuled in some folk hero-esque success stories. Abraham Toro was Boston's unexpected first baseman in 2025, and he had some highlight reel moments at a position he'd never played long-term before.
The Kansas City Royals took note of his success, and signed him to a minor league contract on December 19. Toro, who signed the day before his 29th birthday, will get an invite to big league spring training as part of his deal. The news of his signing was first reported by Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase.
Toro is one of a few first base folk heroes the Red Sox have found in recent years. Boston signed him before the 2025 season, likely to serve as a depth utility infielder, but he spent most of his time at the corner after Casas' season-ending knee injury followed by surgery.
Toro shocked Red Sox fans when he came up to take Casas' place, batting .294/.343/.450 from May 4 to July 6, when his production began to take a downturn. He hit five home runs and contributed 17 RBI before he began to fall off offensively.
Royals sign unexpected Red Sox fan favorite Abraham Toro to minor league deal with spring training invite
Toro clocked 77 games in the major leagues before Boston designated him for assignment. He oped to remain with the organization and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Worcester. Toro slashed .239/.289/.371 with a .660 OPS with 14 doubles, seven home runs and 27 RBI in his time with the Red Sox, and he was never called back up after his initial DFA.
The veteran utility player had only played first base in the big leagues 15 times before he suited up as Casas' full-time replacement. He billed 68 appearances at first base for the Red Sox, and although his defense wasn't perfect (three errors, .994 fielding percentage, -5 defensive runs saved) he still filled a much-needed vacancy and made some excellent plays in the process.
Toro has spent the most time at third base in the big leagues, followed by second. The Royals' third base depth is notably thin, with Jonathan India and Maikel Garcia in the mix. Both are also second-base eligible. If either player falls injured during the season, Toro could be a solid replacement until Kansas City finds a more permanent solution on the trade market or elsewhere in its minor league system.
Red Sox fans remember Toro fondly for his early offensive success and unexpected slick plays at first base, but Boston DFA'd him at the right time — his offensive production stalled too much to be a starter during a playoff push. Still, he joined Dominic Smith on the list of unforeseen fan favorites who had short but iconic runs with the Sox.