SAN DIEGO — The query was a easy one, and the reply was telling.
Where is the ability going to return from?
Manager Alex Cora, talking to reporters for the primary time because the 2022 season resulted in disappointment, stated he’s trying to Trevor Story and Kiké Hernandez to hit extra residence runs for the Sox in ‘23.
Then he added another identify: Triston Casas.
The Red Sox ended the season with 4 first basemen on their roster: Casas, Eric Hosmer, Bobby Dalbec and Franchy Cordero.
Cordero was launched and signed with the Orioles. Hosmer, Casas and Dalbec stay, though it might seem probably the Sox attempt to commerce Hosmer, who seemed shaky in his temporary cameo and is extra of a backup at this level in his profession. His total $39 million contract can be paid by the Padres over the following three seasons.
That leaves Casas and Dalbec, and whereas it’s apparent that Casas appears to be like like the higher participant, the Sox have been platooning the 2 regularly in the direction of the tip of 2022.
Could they get something in a commerce for Dalbec?
Boston Sports Journal reported Monday night that the Sox try to commerce Dalbec, who hit simply .215 with 12 residence runs in a massively disappointing season in ‘22, one 12 months after hitting 25 bombs in an honest rookie 12 months. The Rays are reportedly within the slugger, who additionally performs third base and arguably performs it higher than he performs first.
Keeping Dalbec on the roster offers the Sox some depth at first and third, however they’d most likely wish to improve after the 27-year-old has proven the lack to make contact with any regularity.
One factor is definite: they like Casas rather a lot, and it’s truthful to count on he’ll be the common first baseman.
He simply wants to remain wholesome. He had an ankle harm that value him two months in ‘22, and now he’s coping with a knee harm that has him sidelined throughout the winter.
“He’s a big dude,” Cora stated. “He’s nonetheless a child. Still rising. One of the issues that we did in our exit conferences, (coach) Kiyoshi (Momose) talked to him about, you see the ability and there’s extra there. But clearly the physique’s going to alter.
“And we’ve been on top of him as far as his offseason. I think rest was good for him in a sense, because obviously where he was physically, but now there’s a few things, adjustments-wise, that he needs to do in the offseason as far as like plyometrics and all that stuff.”
Asked about the place the ability will come from this 12 months, Cora couldn’t cover his pleasure about Casas’ potential.
“I think Tristan will hit homers,” he stated. “But I think, of course, let’s see what happens with the roster. Kike healthy is going to help and Trevor healthy will help.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com