The Red Sox had a challenging 2023 season, finishing fifth in the AL East with a disappointing 78-84 record. However, rookie first baseman Triston Casas provided a bright spot with an impressive second half, earning him a third place finish in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Before the season, Casas expressed interest in a contract extension that would keep him in Boston beyond his current club control, which runs until 2028. Although there had been no discussions with Red Sox management at the time, Casas revealed in a recent interview with reporters that extension talks have indeed taken place. He expressed his desire to remain with the Red Sox indefinitely but stated that no enticing offers have been presented to him yet. Casas declined to provide specifics about the type of contract he would consider but emphasized his goal of securing a deal that would provide long-term financial stability for himself and his family.
As a player with just over one year of service time, any extension for Casas would likely cover the remaining five seasons of his team control and potentially extend Boston’s control beyond that. A comparable contract for Casas could be the six-year, $40.5MM extension signed by former Red Sox prospect Anthony Rizzo with the Cubs in 2013. However, several factors suggest that Casas could command a significantly higher salary. Rizzo’s deal was signed over a decade ago, and although he was slightly younger than Casas at the time, his performance as a major league player was less impressive. In contrast, Casas has established himself as an above-average offensive player, with a career slash line of .263/.367/.490 (128 wRC+). Considering the inflation over the past eleven years and Casas’s offensive prowess, it is reasonable to expect him to earn a more lucrative extension than Rizzo.
Looking at more recent comparisons, Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes signed an eight-year, $70MM extension with Pittsburgh two years ago. While Hayes excels defensively at third base, Casas offers superior offensive capabilities despite being considered a fringy defender at first base. At the time of his extension, Hayes had a league-average slash line of .280/.340/.432 (106 wRC+). Additionally, Casas is a year younger than Hayes was, which means he would hit free agency earlier if not extended. Given Casas’s youth and offensive talent, a contract extension similar to Hayes’s could be a viable option, even considering Casas’s defensive limitations.
Although the Red Sox have indicated a lower payroll for 2024, an extension for Casas would likely have a minimal impact on the team’s finances next season. Pre-arbitration extensions typically include escalating salaries, meaning Casas’s contract would become more expensive over time. Securing Casas’s services long-term could provide stability and potentially make him a cornerstone of the franchise as other young players and prospects, such as Marcelo Mayer, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony, begin to establish themselves in the majors in the coming years.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com