'It was a wild year': Casas reflects on last season, looking to bigger things in 2023
WORCESTER — The 2022 baseball season was a string of learning experiences for Red Sox prospect Triston Casas.
The 22-year-old has spent the offseason reflecting and preparing for an opportunity to earn the starting job for the Boston Red Sox in 2023 and beyond.
Casas hit .273 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, and posted a .382 OBP in 72 games for the WooSox. He achieved his lifelong goal and made his big-league debut with the Red Sox in September and posted a .197 average with 5 home runs, 12 RBI and a .358 OBP in 27 games for Boston.
“It was a wild year,” he said. “Going into the season I had many expectations for myself and it was a goal of mine, at some point, to break that roster and I’m glad I was able to accomplish that. I learned a lot during my time (in Boston).”
Overall, he exceeded expectations and the Red Sox were thrilled with his development.
Prior to a high-ankle sprain on May 17 that sidelined him for 10 weeks, Casas believed he was just hitting his stride in all aspects of his game while in Worcester.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound slugging first baseman performed well both offensively and defensively.
“Initially, I was really upset because I felt like I was on the verge of getting into a groove and potentially making a case to make (major league) roster a little earlier, but (the injury) put everything into perspective,” he said.
When he returned Casas showed the ability to make adjustments at the plate and played above-average defense. That also translated at the big-league level. He was able to drive the ball to all fields and showed his athleticism at first. Plus, his work ethic is off the charts.
Casas said his offseason is going well and he’s to a point where he’s been incorporating more baseball activities into his workouts. He’s been living with his family in Pembroke Pines, Florida as he prepares for spring training.
“I’m progressing well with all my workouts and my swing progression has been on point,” he said. “I’m starting to incorporate some defensive drills. Defense for me is a lot of footwork, so I’ve been working on my agility and I’m confident it will translate onto the field.”
Suffered offseason knee injury
After the Red Sox’ season ended, Casas was sent to the Dominican League to gain more reps, especially since he missed so much time during the season with the ankle injury. However, he suffered a knee injury in the Dominican and the Red Sox decided to shut him down.
“The knee is feeling better,” Casas said. “It was a little bit of a scare when I was in the Dominican. I tried to play through it a little bit, assuming that it was just a kink because I hadn’t played in 10 days between the end of the big league season and the first game of that season.”
After a couple of games he realized it was a little more serious and he informed the Red Sox. Fortunately, there was no damage and he was told to rest the knee.
“It healed up well,” he said. “I’m starting to run, starting to sprint and progressing back to pretty much being 100-percent healthy.”
Since he’s already dealt with a couple of lower-body injuries, Casas said he’s been trying to figure out what his best playing weight should be. When he signed with the Red Sox he was 240 pounds and he played last season between 255 and 260. Currently, he’s 255 pounds and is happy with that weight.
“During the season you lose weight, but right now I feel good where I’m at,” he said. “I’m going to try to stay at this weight, continue to get stronger and more agile and faster at this weight. My swing feels strong and fast, so I don’t feel the need to go on a diet, or try to bulk up at this point of my career. Right now 6-foot-5, 255 pounds is solid.”
Ready for the big leagues
He proved during his stint with the Red Sox that he could handle the big leagues. Casas also said he understands nothing will be handed to him and he’ll need to earn the starting job.
“It gives me chills just thinking about it,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for a very long time. I feel really confident that I’m going to do well. At this point in my career I’ve been able to succeed at every level and I don’t anticipate the major leagues being any different. I make adjustments really well and I’m ready.”
When he looks across the diamond, however, Xander Bogaerts won’t be standing at shortstop. He signed a free-agent deal with the San Diego Padres this offseason, leaving the Red Sox in search of his replacement.
“He’s a true leader in every sense of the word. He’s one of those guys who you just feel his presence in the clubhouse,” Casas said. “He was a good mentor to me in the time I got to spend with him and was always open with information. I’m very grateful and was hoping to play with him for a really long time. I idolized him and he’s a winner."
Our team is going to miss him for sure, but we’re looking forward to moving on without him. He’s going to have a great opportunity in San Diego to really showcase his talent. I’m really excited for him. He will be missed, but I wish him the best.”
Casas is focused on his future with the Red Sox and he’s looking forward to that opportunity when he arrives in Fort Myers for spring training.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Young Red Sox star Triston Casas hoping for a prosperous 2023 season
