Why Healthy Trevor Story, Triston Casas Spells Red Sox Reality

BOSTON — Triston Casas and Trevor Story played just 89 games for the Red Sox in 2024.

Those players hold significant roles on the ballclub with Casas as a power threat in the middle of the order and Story’s elite glove stabilizes infield defense, which became a weakness for Boston over the last two seasons.

The Red Sox missed the playoffs by five games last season. With impact starting additions in Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, Boston should be better. Could, let’s say, 140 games from each of Casas and Story be enough to push the Red Sox to the playoffs for the first time since 2021?

“I think that we’re the difference makers for sure,” Casas told reporters during “Fenway Fest” on Jan. 11. “I think with the season last year the way it ended at .500, I think if we’re in the lineup, we can make a difference. … The offense is going to be clicking. Hopefully, Trevor is going to be back to the All-Star caliber player that he is. For myself, I feel like I can expect the same.”

The Boston slugger added that internal pitching reinforcements in Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock shouldn’t be taken lightly either. Now, the Red Sox should still be doing everything they can to add an impact right-handed bat. With that said, the impact of the two healthy returning infielders needs to be further emphasized.

The Red Sox are adamant about competing for the American League East crown in 2025. Returning health should make all the difference.

“Absolutely,” Casas said. “Toughest division in baseball. It’s been said for the last couple of years. Every team in the division just keeps getting better and younger. They’re all prospected-out. They’re spending. We got our hands full in our division for sure, but we feel like if we can win our division, we can run the table at that point. That’s our focus every single day. It’s mine for sure. As an organization, they’ve definitely set that precedent that that’s the expectation.”