Red Sox Open First-Base Position Amid Triston Casas Injury Recovery Uncertainty

The Boston Red Sox are uncertain about Triston Casas' role as their starting first baseman for the 2026 season following his knee injury and inconsistent playing time over the past two years. Casas, 25, suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in 2025, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and has only played 92 games in the last two seasons while struggling offensively when healthy. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow expressed cautious optimism about Casas' recovery but did not guarantee he would be ready for Opening Day or remain the team's first baseman. The Red Sox are exploring options to fill the position, especially given the team's need for more home run power, as they have only two players with 20 or more homers in the recent season. Despite Casas' promising rookie year in 2023 with 24 homers and a strong OPS, his subsequent injuries have cast doubt on his long-term role with the team. The Red Sox appear open to evaluating alternatives through free agency or trades, while monitoring Casas' progress and potential return to form.