Inside clues on the Red Sox's 'tempting' decision to trade Young Slugger

In Major League Baseball, you have to give up something good to get something good.

As the Boston Red Sox approach a crucial 2025 season, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow knows his team's many roster deficiencies cannot be ignored. Among them: right-handed power hitting, starting pitching, high-leverage bullpen arms and perhaps more.

To specifically address the legal issue, many have suggested certain unconventional solutions that include trading one of the Red Sox's numerous young left-handed hitters. One of those bats, first baseman Triston Casas, could potentially provide Boston with a solid return.

On Tuesday, insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive discussed the possibility that the Red Sox could sign Casas this winter, calling the idea “tempting” but perhaps not entirely likely.

“Casas is an extremely talented player and it will be difficult for a team to reach whatever price the Red Sox seek,” Cotillo said. “While the idea of ​​moving Casas is tempting to some, the Red Sox still think he is an elite player and the implications may be too great for a bold move.”

Cotillo also noted that the Red Sox would be more likely to try to deal designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, but that they wouldn't expect anything in return in that case.

Despite only playing in 63 games that season, Casas still managed to hit 13 home runs, thanks in large part to a single three-long ball game against the Minnesota Twins. He also had an OPS of .800/120 OPS+, which was down from his 2023 numbers but still very solid.

The injury is one of the reasons why Casas' future with the Red Sox appears bleak. After putting up huge numbers in the second half of 2023, Casas needed to put together a full, productive season. He was unable to do so due to circumstances beyond his control, and now it is much more difficult to assess his future.

MLB executives are paid to make tough decisions, and Breslow certainly faces a tricky decision with Casas. Keeping him could allow the slugger to reach his full potential, while trading him could give the Red Sox something they desperately need that they couldn't get otherwise. In any case, there is a risk.

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