Red Sox Predictions: Triston Casas will put up All-Star numbers in 2023
Success, or lack thereof, for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 will be predicated on a healthy starting rotation. So, too, will much focus be placed on many players taking the next step in their careers, with others needed to play better than — or equal to — their career best seasons.
For veterans, it means a MVP season for Rafael Devers, Alex Verdugo tapping potential for a full season, and Justin Turner staying steady.
This also means higher expectations for the youth of the team, including first baseman Triston Casas becoming an All-Star in ’23.
Boston Red Sox: Casas cup of coffee in ’22
Fans had a brief opportunity to see Casas at the big league level late in the 2022 season. By then, the Red Sox had long melted towards the bottom of the A.L. East. Casas did not set the league ablaze but signs were encouraging.
Arriving in September, Casas delivered 5 home runs and 12 RBI in 76 at-bats. There were times he looked lost, striking at 23 times and not collecting an extra-base hit outside the home runs.
But at times, Casas was fantastic and, despite hitting only .197, showed some patience and a keen eye in drawing 19 walks.
A eight-game stretch towards the latter part of September saw Casas at his best. He collected hits in seven of those games, going 10-23 and three home runs during those eight games.
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The arrival of Casas came after Triple-A numbers of 11 home runs, 20 doubles, 45 runs, and a .273 batting average.
Seeing power numbers from the first base position in 2023 will be nice for the Red Sox. Bobby Dalbec once had the same expectations thrust upon him, especially when he was feeling the flow at the plate August of the 2021 season.
Dalbec has been unable to recapture any of that magic since. In 2023, Casas will be given the opportunity to produce in that same capacity, and so much more.
High hopes for Boston Red Sox
Spring training stats can sometimes be taken with a grain of salt. But one sure hopes Casas carries over into the regular season what he’s done so far.
Boston has delivered a fine spring so far and Casas is at the forefront of the attack. He’s been one of the hottest hitters for the Red Sox. Hitting for power is one thing (two home runs) and hitting for average is another. Casas has been locked in, hitting .389 with an OPS of 1.089.
Though not as much emphasis is placed on batting average in today’s game it is one stat that should still carry importance. Expectations are not for Casas to go hit over .300 and hit 40 home runs (amazing as it would be) but it’s perfectly acceptable to want him to hit .270 or higher.
Doing this, plus being among the league leaders in doubles and home runs can put Casas on track to be an All-Star in ’23. Not only that, playing well like this will put Casas in the Rookie of the Year conversation (hopefully alongside teammate Masataka Yoshida).
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Taking advantage of the new defensive shift rules means Casas could be in for a big year. That means an All-Star selection and cementing his spot as first baseman on the Red Sox for years to come.
Bold prediction: Casas hits 25 home runs, drives in 95, scores 100 runs, and hits for a .275 average, delivering an All-Star nod and Rookie of the Year award.