The Boston Red Sox have a long list of needs to address this offseason, including holes in the rotation and a power outage in the lineup. They could also need an Opening Day first baseman.
Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas ruptured a patellar tendon while running the bases in May and quickly underwent surgery to repair the devastating knee injury. He missed the rest of the season with Boston, and he may not be ready to play by Opening Day, although there is some cautious optimism that he could be.
Even if he is ready, the Red Sox should have a backup plan in place for Casas. The 25-year-old has experienced two major, season-altering injuries in as many years, and Boston can't afford another year with an inexperienced player at the corner. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow also wouldn't commit to Casas as the starter for 2026 — more signs a change could be coming.
Despite his own optimism, Casas might see that his position as the starter could be in jeopardy. He put up a cryptic Instagram post that hints at possible uncomfortable changes to come.
Triston Casas' cryptic Instagram post foreshadows potential tough decisions by Red Sox this offseason
"If we’re gonna have any chance at something decent it’s stuff like this that needs to be addressed , I’m going to try to be as transparent as possible… within reason . No delusion , just normalizing the tough conversation," the post read, under a photo of him admiring a home run as it leaves Fenway Park.
Casas' Instagram is riddled with long captions and other unknown meanings, but his latest post seems particlarly pointed. The Red Sox have been linked to a few first base candidates this offseason, from a free agent signing of Pete Alonso to a longshot trade for Bryce Harper. Such rumors have to be hard on someone who was formerly billed as a franchise player, especially when much of their troubles can be attributed to freak injuries.
Besides his injuries, Casas has shown signs of streakiness at the plate and he's a slow starter. He only batted .182/.277/.303 six extra-base hits over 29 games. His issue with consistency and finding his power swing could result in a platoon situation with another first baseman, or possibly a demotion to Triple-A to start the season.
Boston's plans for first base aren't yet clear, besides its lack of commitment to Casas as the starter. Casas and Red Sox fans will have to wait to see Breslow's vision for the corner and the addition of more power to the lineup, but Casas' place on the roster is uncertain as of now.