The Boston Red Sox received a major setback this weekend when it was reported that first baseman Triston Casas would miss the rest of the 2025 season due to a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. Despite his mediocre hitting performance this season (.182 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 29 games), Casas’ defensive consistency and clubhouse presence are difficult to replicate.
Boston Red Sox Searching for a New First Baseman
“It’s a big loss,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow on Saturday, May 1, via MassLive. “In addition to what we think we were gonna get on the offensive side, he was a stabilizing presence and made some nice plays in the field. Also, a big personality and a big part of the clubhouse and the team. He’s going to be missed in all facets.”
The injury occurred Friday night (May 2) in an awkward play at first base, when Casas attempted to avoid a collision with Minnesota’s Ty France. He was stretchered off the field and taken by an ambulance to a local hospital, where further imaging revealed a complete rupture of the patellar tendon, though the surrounding ligaments remain intact.
The #RedSox today made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/B2G1slYNLU
— Red Sox (@RedSox)
Boston, currently in second place in the AL East, now faces a serious challenge in filling the defensive void at first base. While Casas’ bat hadn’t come alive yet this season, his glove and field awareness were vital in maintaining infield stability.
Breslow emphasized that “all options are on the table” in the search for a replacement and did not rule out a positional shift for star third baseman Rafael Devers, a move that would significantly alter the team’s infield dynamic.
Craig Breslow said “all options are on the table” for first base, and he did not rule out Rafael Devers playing the position (via @ChrisCotillo).
No plans for Mayer or Anthony to play 1B. pic.twitter.com/7Q0xanDgji
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo)
The team plans to explore both internal options and outside help through trades or free agency. For now, Boston will rely on utility players Romy González and Abraham Toro to platoon at first base.
Despite the speculation surrounding Devers, both Breslow and manager Alex Cora made it clear that top prospects Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony will not be considered for a move to first base.
“It just happened yesterday,” Cora said. “We’ll talk and we’ll see where we’re at. But I think Romy and Toro, they can do the job. I truly believe that, so we’re gonna roll with them.”
As the Red Sox regroup, all eyes will be on how the front office chooses to address the vacancy left by one of their most promising young talents. Casas is expected to undergo surgery soon and begin what will likely be a long road to recovery.