Red Sox linked to replacing Triston Casas with projected $50 million NPB first baseman originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Red Sox have been trying to make Triston Casas their first baseman of the future, as they haven’t had a player lock down the position in decades.
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However, they might finally move on.
According to Fansided’s Jake Elman, the Sox might go after NPB star Kazuma Okamoto, a 30-year-old slugger first baseman who’s projected to get a $50+ million contract in the MLB.
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“Regardless, Okamoto remains a potent power hitter, one with 11 homers, 16 RBIs, and a .960 OPS through 222 plate appearances. Although he missed over three months with a left elbow injury, Okamoto has since returned to the Giants’ lineup and is healthy for the stretch run,” Elman wrote.
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Elman continued, stating that the Red Sox would probably be the best fit for him.
“It’ll be interesting to see if teams view Okamoto as a traditional corner infielder or if they’d prioritize making him a designated hitter. The Boston Red Sox make plenty of sense either way, and Okamoto could immediately slot in at first base — a spot the Red Sox haven’t adequately filled since Triston Casas went down earlier this year,” Elman noted.
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In two years, Casas has only played 92 games. This season Casas was already coming off a season ending injury and was nowhere near the same. If Okamoto can come back from a long injury and be healthy and a core part of the offense, the Sox may look into him.
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Overall, the Sox really do need a long-term first baseman that can stay healthy. If Okamoto’s their man, they should take their newly freed up cap space and make him an offer he can’t refuse.
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