Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may have revealed more than he meant to when discussing the team’s future after trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
His offhand comment raised eyebrows, particularly when it came to injured first baseman Triston Casas.
What Did Craig Breslow Say About the Boston Red Sox’s First Base Plans?
Red Sox insider Nat Gordon flagged an eye-catching quote from Breslow during the team’s press conference following the Devers trade.
“Breslow kinda just let it slip that they need to look for a long-term solution at 1B,” Gordo posted on X. “Before catching himself and referencing Triston Casas’s rehab, characterizing it as a long road back.”
Breslow kinda just let it slip that they need to look for a long term solution at 1B before catching himself and referencing Triston Casas’s rehab, characterizing it as a long road back.
Note that one.
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) June 17, 2025
The comment came during a broader conversation about Boston’s roster flexibility and financial freedom following the Devers deal.
Breslow said the team would rotate its three left-handed hitting outfielders once Wilyer Abreu returns from injury. That includes a continued role for Ceddanne Rafaela in center field, where his glove has been elite. That arrangement could open more opportunities at DH for the others.
He also mentioned looking into pitching upgrades, but it was the line about first base that stood out the most.
“And then we need to start thinking about what does a long-term solution look like at first base,” Breslow said. “And I think that’s a good thing. Triston Casas’ rehab is going well, but it’s going to be a long road there.”
MORE: Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Sparks Déjà Vu of Rafael Devers’ 2017 Breakout
Breslow also said Boston plans to be aggressive with its financial flexibility: “We’re absolutely going to look at the best use of those resources and could put them to use as early as the 2025 trade deadline.”
So, was this a simple slip, or a sign that Casas might not be in the Red Sox’s long-term plans?
Why Triston Casas May No Longer Be the First Base Answer
There’s no denying Casas has shown power potential, but his injury history is starting to raise real concerns.
Since debuting with high expectations, the 24-year-old has battled several serious injuries:
- A shoulder issue in 2023
- A fractured rib in 2024
- And now, a torn patella tendon in his left knee, suffered in May
The most recent injury appears to be the most severe, and Breslow calling it “a long road” isn’t the most encouraging update.
Triston Casas was just taken off the field after seemingly injuring his left knee while running out a grounder in the second inning pic.twitter.com/s0smIz7Sd4
— WEEI (@WEEI) May 2, 2025
Casas also wasn’t producing when he went down. He was slashing just .184/.279/.306 through early May and his defense at first base was seen as average at best.
None of this rules Casas out entirely. He’s young and still under team control. But with three significant injuries in three seasons and inconsistent production, the Red Sox can’t afford to wait forever.
Could Casas be traded before the July 31 deadline? That feels unlikely. Between his injury and poor early-season form, his trade value probably isn’t high enough to draw meaningful interest.
Red Sox Have Decisions to Make
If Breslow’s comments are any indication, the front office may already be weighing long-term alternatives at first base. Whether that comes through a trade, free agency, or one of the team’s younger prospects, it’s something to watch closely.
Casas still has a chance to reestablish himself, but time and health are no longer on his side.