Although the Boston Red Sox (8-10) put a lot of effort into improving their starting pitching rotation, the team’s identity will ideally be linked to its lineup. There are several talented and effective position players available for manager Alex Cora to use. The problem, however, is that half the lineup is falling well short of expectations. Triston Casas is one of a handful core players that is obviously suffering in the early portion of the season.
During his rookie 2023 season, the 25-year-old first baseman hit 24 home runs and recorded a.490 slugging percentage, displaying All-Star potential. His 2024 season was ruined by a rib ailment (torn cartilage), which kept him from playing more than 63 games. It is hoped that Casas would become one of baseball’s top power hitters when healthy.
The No. 26 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft has a pitiful.175 batting average,.242 on-base percentage,.281 slugging percentage, and.523 OPS in 16 games for the Red Sox. The prolonged slump is reminiscent of the brutally slow start he lumbered through as a rookie, so maybe an icy April is just part of the unique Triston Casas experience. However, he does not appear to be the same guy who showed a lot of promise in the second half of 2023.
Or perhaps it’s not that easy. The 6-foot-4 Florida native, who is usually praised for his methodical approach at the bat, is not displaying the composure Boston has grown to expect. Cora is aware of some of the left-handed hitter’s current decision-making problems.
Red Sox want Triston Casas to stick to the process that helped him break out
“In between.” According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, the 2018 World Series-winning captain stated, “He hasn’t played that much either, and he’s still learning his swing, his craft.” And one thing I saw right away was that he had a lot of conviction in his strategy when he was called up. He isn’t there at the moment.
“You can see his takes, which are a little hesitant, 3-2 takes, pitches in the zone that he usually at least fouls off, but he’s not walking either. He’s taking fastballs in the middle of zone, and you can see his takes.”
After the publication of Netflix’s “The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox,” people will talk more about Casas’ unique personality and his limitless gift of gab, but he can silence them all with strong at-bats. Until Casas regains his confidence at the dish, it is unlikely that he will increase his numbers.
He wants to get back on track against the Tampa Bay Rays on the road on Tuesday.
