Could Red Sox 1B Triston Casas be traded?

Most importantly, the first baseman performed well on the field and developed into one of baseball's sharpest hitters during the second half of the 2023 season, giving him a .263/.367/ slash line for the upcoming season. .490 as well as 24 homers and an .856 OPS.

But what a difference a few months can make – at least to the public. Casas' 2024 season was effectively a bust after he suffered a ribcage strain in April that cost him nearly four months. And with his team back at home in October instead of playing in the postseason, a question arises: Would the Red Sox really be willing to part ways with Casas to bolster their starting rotation?

When Casas was asked about it on the final day of the season, he had obviously thought about it himself.

“I think the team and the organization should continue to strive for a championship whether I'm there or not,” he said. “I don’t know what the front office plans to do this offseason in terms of restructuring the roster to try to be a playoff team.

“I want to be part of the plans to make this happen, but if not, and they want to look for an outside source for me to try and strengthen the squad, that is well within their power.”

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow noted during the club's year-end press conference that no player would be off-limits, that he would explore all avenues to get better, and that such an approach involved difficult decisions. Casas, who doesn't turn 25 until January, could well be a part of it. Given that he's coming off a down season, the return may not be as significant as, say, Jarren Duran, who had a breakout 2024 that should warrant a top-eight finish in the AL MVP voting .

With the Sox also looking to bolster their infield defense and Rafael Devers' future at third base appearing uncertain for the first time – potentially pointing to a move to first base – the trade focus turns to Casas.

Casas understands.

“They did everything they could to give me the opportunity to succeed and continue to grow,” he said. “And sometimes it's the nature of the business that you move from team to team for other players. If I were traded, it wouldn’t be something that would be under my control.”

Casas returned to the lineup against the Orioles in mid-August and his presence was immediately felt, as he had six multi-hit games in his first ten games. However, problems and inconsistent performances against lefties soon followed, as manager Alex Cora opted to play Connor Wong at first base instead of Casas.

In Cora's eyes, Casas was too enamored with his process on the field instead of just reacting to pitches, which led the manager to have a conversation with his hitter in early September.

“He guided me through his approach,” Cora said. “How he felt when he went to Baltimore, where his momentum was and what he wanted to accomplish. One thing I told him: “Man, you’re a good hitter.” Sometimes just keep it simple. See the ball, hit it.' This is the best approach for him. Hopefully we can get back to it.”

Casas eventually had some success, finishing the season with a .241/.337/.462 slash line, an .800 OPS, and 13 home runs. His final home run was hit by the Rays' Shane Baz on an elevated four-seamer that Casas drove the other way, a reminder of his ability to straighten a baseball.

But it's now fair to question whether he'll use that skill elsewhere next season.

“Do I want it to be in Boston? Of course, because that’s all I know,” Casas said. “But if I move on, that’s fine. I understand why. No further explanation is needed.”

Julian McWilliams can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @byJulianMack.