The Boston Red Sox were hit with major bad news earlier this week. Triston Casas, the team’s power-hitting first baseman, suffered a severe knee injury while running to first base. He tore a tendon in his left knee, ending his season and delivering a serious blow to Boston’s playoff hopes.
While concern for Casas is the top priority, the team now faces a critical decision: who will take over at first base for the rest of the season?
Some are wondering if Boston will promote a top prospect. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the team may choose an internal option. One name that stands out is shortstop Marcelo Mayer. Although he’s naturally a middle infielder, Olney points out that Boston has previously shifted young talent into new roles — like when they moved shortstop Xander Bogaerts to third base during their 2013 championship run. Transitioning Mayer to first base would be a bigger change, but some believe he could handle it.
Mayer has impressed this year with Triple-A Worcester, batting .273 with a .832 OPS over 30 games. Despite this being his first season at that level, he appears ready for the majors. At just 22, Mayer is living up to the hype, and Boston fans have been eagerly awaiting his debut.
Though the switch from shortstop to first base would be significant, Mayer has the size and athletic ability to potentially handle the role defensively. More importantly, his offensive production could provide a big lift for Boston.
Some have suggested moving Rafael Devers from designated hitter to first base, but that doesn’t seem likely. Devers struggled offensively when asked to be a full-time DH after Alex Bregman joined the team, though he’s since found his rhythm again. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has expressed hesitation about moving Devers from the DH spot.
Given all this, it appears Boston may lean toward promoting Mayer to help fill the gap left by Casas’ season-ending injury.