The addition of Alex Bregman was expected to elevate the Boston Red Sox into contention for the 2025 season. However, it has instead sparked one of the biggest Spring Training controversies in Major League Baseball.
The latest development unfolded earlier this week when Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas voiced his opinion on the team’s roster decisions. While supporting Rafael Devers’ decision to remain at third base rather than move for Bregman, Casas also argued that top prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer shouldn’t make the Opening Day roster at the expense of established veterans.
His comments quickly generated buzz, prompting Red Sox manager Alex Cora to address the situation while speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning.
Alex Cora Leaves Door Open for Red Sox Top Prospects After Triston Casas’s Comments
When asked about his reaction to Triston Casas’s comments, Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t criticize his young first baseman but made it clear that roster decisions will be based on competition, not sentiment.
“I’ve said it, people sit here and we don’t put limits on them,” Cora responded. “He said what he said, but at the end of the day, we’re in a winning business. From my end, we’re going to make decisions based on competition, roster flexibility, and versatility. At the end of the day, we’re going to bring our best 26 guys to Texas.”
Casas appeared to be standing up for teammates he’s come up with in the Red Sox organization, but Boston may need an injection of young talent. Since winning the 2018 World Series, the team has only made the playoffs once (2021) and has finished last in the AL East three times in the past six seasons.
Even Bregman’s signing was partly influenced by Rafael Devers’ defensive struggles at third base, and the team briefly explored trading Casas in a potential deal for Luis Castillo with the Mariners.
With Roman Anthony (No. 2) and Kristian Campbell (No. 4) ranked among Baseball America’s top five prospects, both have a strong chance to make the Opening Day roster. Marcelo Mayer (No. 15) isn’t far behind and could push some of the underperforming veterans for a spot. While Casas may not be thrilled about the potential youth movement, Cora hopes he will embrace it and be part of the solution.
“I’ve played with guys that were very thoughtful about what they wanted to say and their opinions,” Cora told NESN’s Keagan Stiefel. “I played with Curt [Schilling], and he was very thoughtful and said his thing. I don’t know, people will express what they feel. Some people will agree. Some people won’t. Some will like it, some won’t. At the end of the day, we like the first baseman—he’s going to play, and he’s going to hit.”