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10h ago

Casas Acknowledges Contreras Upgrade as Red Sox Slot Veteran at First Base

Recovering from knee surgery, Triston Casas called an Opening Day return a tight squeeze, keeping his 2026 role unresolved as spring training approaches.

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Sep 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates after hitting a RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first base Triston Casas (36) runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.
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Overview

  • Manager Alex Cora praised Willson Contreras’ offensive approach and first-base defense and said the veteran will probably hit fourth.
  • Boston acquired Contreras from the Cardinals in December and plans to use him as the primary first baseman, per chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
  • Contreras moved from catcher to first base in 2025 and hit .257 with a .344 OBP, 20 home runs and 80 RBIs while grading as a plus defender.
  • Casas said Contreras is a better player right now and that upgrading a position that lacked production the past two years was what the team needed.
  • Casas, 11 months removed by Opening Day from patellar tendon surgery, is on schedule in rehab and could be managed through DH, platoon or Triple-A as he builds back.