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Red Sox's Exec Breaks Silence on Roman Anthony, Triston Casas Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 11:20 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox have a problem most teams dream about: they have nowhere to put their top prospect, Roman Anthony.

With Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and eventually Masataka Yoshida all worthy of outfield spots, Anthony is on the outside looking in for consistent playing time at the MLB level.

One idea that has circulated in fan discussions is moving Anthony to first base to replace the struggling Triston Casas. The 25-year-old is batting a lowly .172 with a .508 OPS, and a 46 OPS+, and his defense has not been as bad, but he does not play at a Gold Glove caliber either.

Casas has also struggled to stay on the field during his Red Sox days, playing in 63 games last year and 132 in 2023 due to a rib cage tear and shoulder inflammation.

Boston’s Chief of Baseball Operations, Craig Breslow, was recently on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI, where he discussed a potential Anthony for Casas swap at the three:

“Yeah, well, I don’t think we want to waste anything,” Breslow said. “You know, I think what we want to make sure is that when Roman comes to the big leagues, he’s able to step in and be successful. That there is clear opportunity for him to get the runway that he’ll need as a 20-year-old.”

“I mean, I think what we will do is everything in our power to ensure that Triston’s struggles don’t continue,” Breslow added.

It’s no surprise that the Red Sox want Anthony to receive regular playing time, no matter the level, but he also appears to shut down any Anthony at first base sentiments. It is still far too early in the season to make a verdict on Casas, and it is encouraging that the front office still believes in their young first baseman.

This will not stop Boston fans from pleading for what may seem like an obvious fit with Anthony, but it is essential to remember that in over three years in the system, he has only played in the outfield.

First base is not an easy position to learn, and forcing Anthony into uncomfortable defensive situations is not the best course for his development.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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