August Update: After returning from injury Casas has taken some time to adjust. Still just 22 years old in Triple-A, Casas has time to develop into the type of impact hitter the Red Sox believe he can become. Despite his highly touted combination of contact and power, Casas has never hit .280 or above in a season or slugged .500 or above.
Track Record: Casas has stood out for his immense raw power and mature, adaptable approach since his amateur days and was drafted 26th overall by the Red Sox in 2019 . He held his own as one of the youngest players at every level of the minors and broke out with a banner year in 2021. Casas bounced between Double-A, Triple-A, and playing for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics and performed at every stop. He posted an .877 OPS at the highest levels of the minors during a disjointed year and led Team USA with three home runs and eight RBIs in Tokyo, earning raves from manager Mike Scioscia and other Team USA veterans.
Scouting Report: Casas is a massive presence in the batter's box at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and possesses the plus-plus raw power expected from someone of his stature. While he occasionally sells out for power early in counts, he prides himself on being a well-rounded hitter who chokes up, spreads out his stance, and uses the whole field with two strikes. While his hit-over-power approach has impressed, many evaluators believe he'll ultimately focus more on driving the ball in the air, with middle-of-the-order power numbers to follow. Casas should be able to make that shift given his professorial understanding of his swing and still projects to be an above-average hitter. A former third baseman, Casas has a strong arm, soft hands and solid footwork at first base, where his size makes him an inviting target.
The Future: Casas will begin 2022 back in Triple-A and could reach the majors during the season. If his power develops as expected, he's a potential all-star first baseman who can anchor the lineup.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 Power: 65. Speed: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.
