Working to Get Back to Form, What Role Will Triston Casas Have With the Red Sox in 2026?

Working to Get Back to Form, What Role Will Triston Casas Have With the Red Sox in 2026? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Triston Casas has been working his way back from injury. However, he seems to be the odd man out for the Red Sox heading into the 2026 season. That’s thanks to new signings and several other homegrown stars.

Can the former Rookie of the Year candidate return to form?

Casas was selected in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft. The former top prospect was named a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2023, despite dealing with injuries, after hitting .263 with 24 home runs. Casas’ 2024 season had promise, but injuries held him to 63 games.

It was more of the same in 2025, as Casas hit .182 before rupturing his patellar tendon in his left knee. Out for the season, the now-26-year-old has attempted to fight his way back. It’s unlikely he’s ready for Opening Day, but he’s been participating in batting practice and fielding drills.

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Despite his struggles and injury history, Casas still believes his story isn’t over yet.

“When I'm healthy, I fit on any team,” Casas said via MLB.com.

The Red Sox hope Casas will play in a Grapefruit League game before Spring Training ends. He’ll then have to wait for an opportunity to join the main roster, regardless of how long it takes to get loose. Casas does believe he will have a place with the Red Sox, regardless of location.

“I’m not sure if it’s for the major league team or for a minor league one or here in the FCL. I still believe it could be (the majors), if everything went perfect over the next couple weeks with my rehab and stuff,” Casas said via MassLive. “I still have a couple benchmarks, like sliding and running bases, that I haven’t tackled yet.

“I want to feel fully comfortable going into a game having done (those things) multiple times and having recovered from, then over weeks, feeling like I’ve developed that skill again.”

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Casas’ spot as Boston’s first baseman seems to have been lost with the addition of Willson Contreras. Though he’s without a starting position, Masataka Yoshida may be the Red Sox’s role player on the bench.

That leaves Casas in limbo. However, there may be a spot for him based on circumstance. Romy Gonzalez is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Contreras could play behind the plate at some point. Yoshida could also be traded.

If given an opportunity, Casas could get an opportunity at DH. That may not be until May. Still, he will look to stay ready and contribute, no matter how long it takes.

"I just want to bring a championship back to the city,” Casas told the “310 to Left” podcast via Sports Illustrated.  “They always preach to us that there's nothing like winning in Boston. I want to experience it; I haven't yet. So there's a lot to look forward to, and those are my goals."