Red Sox and Triston Casas have held contract extension talks; ‘I want to be here forever’
Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas told reporters for the first time on Sunday that he has had preliminary negotiations with the team on a contract extension.
Casas noted that while talks have been held, the club has not come close to his expectations in order to lock him up on a long term pact.
“Of course we have (talked),” Casas said, matter-of-factly. “Nothing enticing, though.”
Casas is coming off a successful first season with the Red Sox where he finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. The 24-year-old hit .263 with 24 homers, 65 RBIs and an .856 OPS in 132 games.
While contract talks have been held, Casas’ contract is not a pressing issue. He isn’t arbitration-eligible until after 2025 and will not be a free agent for five more seasons.
The initial offer to Casas is not known, however, the club has expressed a desire to lock up its younger controllable players. Right-handed pitcher Brayan Bello is another young player the club would like to sign long term as well, but nothing has materialized.
“I want to be here forever,” Casas said. “This is not a bad place to play. It’s actually the best, I think. So I’d love to be here.”
Craig Breslow talks on why he moved John Schreiber - opens for competition for newcomers in bullpen
Casas was asked what kind of deal that would be enticing for him to sign an extension with the club.
“One that sets me and my family up for the rest of my life,” he said. “I don’t know what that looks like. I’m low maintenance. I don’t need a lot. I’ve got a small family. I don’t need much. But something I think would suffice for the work that I’ve put in throughout my whole life.”
