| AB | 58 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .259 |
| OBP | .358 |
| SLG | .5 |
| HR | 4 |
- Full name Triston Casas
- Born 01/15/2000 in Miami, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 252 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School American Heritage
- Debut 09/04/2022
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Drafted in the 1st round (26th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2018 (signed for $2,552,800).
View Draft Report
One of the top power-hitting players in the class, Casas has established an impressive track record as a corner infielder who was originally supposed to be in the 2019 draft class before reclassifying to become eligible this June. A two-time member of USA Baseball''s 18U National Team, Casas was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation's player of the year in 2017, after leading the U-18 World Cup field with three home runs and 13 RBI, pushing Team USA to a gold-medal victory over Korea. He was also named the MVP of the tournament. Casas has 70-grade raw power out of a 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame that he has maintained well over the offseason, and he might be a bit lighter now after trimming up prior to his final season with American Heritage High in Plantation, Fla. His power plays to all fields, and Casas has enough to drive balls out of the park even when he doesn't make solid contact. The Miami commit has a patient, selective approach at the plate and was among the more difficult player to pitch to on the summer showcase circuit according to a number of pitchers, although he has shown some of the swing-and-miss tendencies that can coincide with long arms. A surprisingly good athlete for his size, Casas has plus arm strength, which gives him an outside shot to play third base, where he plays for American Heritage. Most scouts believe he'll inevitably slide to first base, however, which is a tough position to draft out of high school. But it is also challenging to find a hitter in the draft class with a better combination of hitting ability, plate discipline, power and track record against quality arms than Casas provides.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 60/Medium
Track Record: Neighbors of Casas' American Heritage High program were notified to move their cars during batting practice to shield property from a hail of tape-measure homers. Yet raw power was only part of Casas' game. He impressed both in high school and for 16U and 18U Team USA squads with an advanced, all-fields approach en route to being the 26th overall pick in 2018. He signed for slot bonus of $2.55 million. In 2021, Casas became a middle-of-the-order hitter for Team USA in the Olympics. In 2022, despite a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two months with Triple-A Worcester, he tapped into increased power and made his MLB debut.
Scouting Report: Casas is a formidable presence in the batter's box, with long levers that allow him to obliterate baseballs. Whereas in 2021 he focused foremost on contact and getting on base--often widening his stance and choking up significantly--in 2022, he hunted pitches to damage. He became more upright even with two strikes. While he maintained his characteristic plate discipline, he swung with bad intentions, showing significant jumps in exit velocities. In his MLB debut, he hit .197/.358/.408 but showed a sophisticated ability to gameplan and control the zone (20% walk rate) with considerable opposite-field power. There's some platoon risk with Casas, though he had quality left-on-left at-bats in the big leagues. Defensively, he moved well around the bag and showed a good arm.
The Future: Casas will either open 2023 in the big leagues or get there--likely permanently--by early to midseason. He could emerge as a middle-of-the-order force who takes aim at the Green Monster for years to come.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 65. Speed: 30. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50 -
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.
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Hitting: 55. Power: 65. Run: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50
Track Record: Casas combined elite power in high school with a surprisingly mature approach that became evident against advanced competition in showcase events and playing for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team. The Red Sox drafted Casas 26th overall in 2018 and signed him for just over $2.5 million. After most of his 2018 pro debut was wiped out following a strained thumb ligament, his 2019 minor league season didn’t disappoint. He joined Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenagers in more than half a century to hit 20 or more homers in one year and ranked as the top infield prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League. Casas was set to open 2020 in high Class A before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the minor league season, and he joined the team’s alternate training site in late August. He arrived in tremendous shape and ready to hit against more experienced pitchers.
Scouting Report: Casas already has the size and strength to launch moonshots from left-center to right field. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, like most big power hitters, but he’s shown the self-awareness and aptitude to cover holes. That trait was evident at the alternate site, where he showed an improved ability to turn on and backspin velocity on the inner half, while continuing to drive pitches away to the opposite field. That all-fields approach is evidence of a player committed to being more than an all-or-nothing hitter. Casas, who considers Joey Votto a model, spreads out his stance and chokes up with two strikes. His strike-zone awareness ranks among the best in the system. While Casas was drafted as a third baseman, his future is at first base, where he has a chance to be at least an above-average defender given his wingspan and solid arm strength. Casas is uncommonly mature, showing both an interest in feedback while also having the self-understanding to filter what works for him. He has worked out with big leaguers in South Florida for years, something that helped him remain unfazed against older competition.
The Future: Casas made a compelling case to open 2021 at Double-A with his performance at the alternate site. Some in the organization believe he is sufficiently advanced to fast track to the majors by the end of the season. Even if Casas travels a more conservative time frame, team officials believe he will become a middle-of-the-lineup staple for years to come. In an era where first basemen are rarely considered top prospects, Casas has an offensive ceiling that allows him to fit the bill. . -
TRACK RECORD: After reclassifying to enter the draft a year earlier than his peers, Casas emerged as one of the top high school position prospects in the 2018 draft by displaying standout all-fields power both with aluminum and, while playing in international competition for Team USA, wood bats. In 2019, he cemented his status as a standout player for his age and experience level, primarily at low Class A Greenville. He ranked in the top three of all 2018 high school draftees in OPS and homers while also joining Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenager in the last 50 years to hit at least 20 homers in one year at any level.
SCOUTING REPORT: Casas is gigantic, with size and strength in his lefthanded swing to generate easy power from left-center field to right. However, he sometimes fights his frame. In an effort to limit strikeouts, he opened the year employing a spread-out stance with a pronounced crouch, but the effort backfired and instead created extra movement in his swing that resulted in a high April strikeout rate. Casas showed aptitude and adaptability, employing a more natural, upright stance starting in May. The move showed not only standout power but also a versatile approach that suggested a solid overall hitting foundation that could help to control his strikeout rate. The lefthanded masher also chokes up with two strikes, and his willingness to use the whole field helps control his swings and misses. Casas played third base in high school (and a little bit in the minors), and his range at first base projects as above-average to plus, and his wingspan will be an asset. His arm is solid to above-average at first. He's a below-average runner, but his ceiling isn't predicated on speed. Team officials rave about his makeup, describing Casas as unusually mature in his routines, work ethic and preparation. He is a student of the game. Scouts see similarities to Freddie Freeman in his all-around game.
THE FUTURE: Casas is likely to open 2020 in high Class A Salem, and while it wouldn't be a shock to see him struggle at some point, it likewise wouldn't be surprising to see him remain on an aggressive development track. He projects as a player who could see the big leagues by early 2022 or even late 2021, with the potential to serve as a middle-of-the-order force and the organization's clear top prospect. -
Track Record: Area scout Willie Romay started following Casas as a high school freshman, mesmerized by his exceptional ability to drive the ball to all fields--a skill also evident in summer wood-bat leagues, including his time with Team USA. Shortly after Casas signed as the 26th overall pick, he suffered a torn ligament in his thumb while making a diving play in the field; the subsequent surgery ended his pro debut, but he was back on the field by instructional league.
Scouting Report: Casas shows light-tower power, a trait made evident in workouts where he deposited balls into the center-field bleachers and the distant bullpen in right-center. Yet his ability to stay inside the ball, cover holes and drive pitches to the opposite field suggests the potential for a strong hit tool. Given Casas’ size, there are likely to be holes in his swing as he adjusts to pro ball in 2019. He split time between first and third base in instructional league, but he most likely profiles at first, where his surprising athleticism and large wingspan could make him stand out.
The Future: Casas has upside on par with any other Red Sox prospect, and if he performs at low Class A Greenville in 2019 he could vault to the top of this list.
Draft Prospects
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One of the top power-hitting players in the class, Casas has established an impressive track record as a corner infielder who was originally supposed to be in the 2019 draft class before reclassifying to become eligible this June. A two-time member of USA Baseball''s 18U National Team, Casas was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation's player of the year in 2017, after leading the U-18 World Cup field with three home runs and 13 RBI, pushing Team USA to a gold-medal victory over Korea. He was also named the MVP of the tournament. Casas has 70-grade raw power out of a 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame that he has maintained well over the offseason, and he might be a bit lighter now after trimming up prior to his final season with American Heritage High in Plantation, Fla. His power plays to all fields, and Casas has enough to drive balls out of the park even when he doesn't make solid contact. The Miami commit has a patient, selective approach at the plate and was among the more difficult player to pitch to on the summer showcase circuit according to a number of pitchers, although he has shown some of the swing-and-miss tendencies that can coincide with long arms. A surprisingly good athlete for his size, Casas has plus arm strength, which gives him an outside shot to play third base, where he plays for American Heritage. Most scouts believe he'll inevitably slide to first base, however, which is a tough position to draft out of high school. But it is also challenging to find a hitter in the draft class with a better combination of hitting ability, plate discipline, power and track record against quality arms than Casas provides.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Casas spent nearly the entire season in Portland, save for a trip to Tokyo to play in the Olympics and then a late-September promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He showed improvements in several significant metrics. Key among those improvements was an improvement in strikeout rate. Casas cut that rate from 23.5% in 2019 to 19.1% this year as he rose from Low-A to Double-A. Some expressed concern that Casas’ lefthanded power stroke didn’t really seem to translate into games until late in the year, with six of his 13 home runs coming in September, including five over a stretch of three straight games in New Hampshire. But scouts were impressed by his athletic ability at first base even with his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame. -
Because of their well-rounded skill sets and defensive value, Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic of West Virginia were viewed as the most promising position players in the league. But when it came to hitting, Casas was viewed as a comparable prospect. "For a 19-year-old, he’s very advanced at the plate,” one scout said. "He doesn’t swing at much out of the strike zone.” Interestingly, Casas chokes up significantly on his bat, especially with two strikes, much like Joey Votto, and sacrifices a little leverage for better barrel control. He’s strong enough that it doesn’t significantly diminish his power—he hit eight of his 19 home runs with two strikes. He has a chance to be an above-average hitter with plus power. In the field, Casas didn’t play third base after mid-July. At first base, he should be an average defender with an above-average arm. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 240 pounds, he presents a big target.
Top 100 Rankings
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Boston Red Sox in 2020
- Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Boston Red Sox in 2020
Scouting Reports
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BA Grade/Risk: 60/Medium
Track Record: Neighbors of Casas' American Heritage High program were notified to move their cars during batting practice to shield property from a hail of tape-measure homers. Yet raw power was only part of Casas' game. He impressed both in high school and for 16U and 18U Team USA squads with an advanced, all-fields approach en route to being the 26th overall pick in 2018. He signed for slot bonus of $2.55 million. In 2021, Casas became a middle-of-the-order hitter for Team USA in the Olympics. In 2022, despite a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two months with Triple-A Worcester, he tapped into increased power and made his MLB debut.
Scouting Report: Casas is a formidable presence in the batter's box, with long levers that allow him to obliterate baseballs. Whereas in 2021 he focused foremost on contact and getting on base--often widening his stance and choking up significantly--in 2022, he hunted pitches to damage. He became more upright even with two strikes. While he maintained his characteristic plate discipline, he swung with bad intentions, showing significant jumps in exit velocities. In his MLB debut, he hit .197/.358/.408 but showed a sophisticated ability to gameplan and control the zone (20% walk rate) with considerable opposite-field power. There's some platoon risk with Casas, though he had quality left-on-left at-bats in the big leagues. Defensively, he moved well around the bag and showed a good arm.
The Future: Casas will either open 2023 in the big leagues or get there--likely permanently--by early to midseason. He could emerge as a middle-of-the-order force who takes aim at the Green Monster for years to come.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 65. Speed: 30. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50 -
BA Grade/Risk: 60/Medium
Track Record: Neighbors of Casas' American Heritage High program were notified to move their cars during batting practice to shield property from a hail of tape-measure homers. Yet raw power was only part of Casas' game. He impressed both in high school and for 16U and 18U Team USA squads with an advanced, all-fields approach en route to being the 26th overall pick in 2018. He signed for slot bonus of $2.55 million. In 2021, Casas became a middle-of-the-order hitter for Team USA in the Olympics. In 2022, despite a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two months with Triple-A Worcester, he tapped into increased power and made his MLB debut.
Scouting Report: Casas is a formidable presence in the batter's box, with long levers that allow him to obliterate baseballs. Whereas in 2021 he focused foremost on contact and getting on base--often widening his stance and choking up significantly--in 2022, he hunted pitches to damage. He became more upright even with two strikes. While he maintained his characteristic plate discipline, he swung with bad intentions, showing significant jumps in exit velocities. In his MLB debut, he hit .197/.358/.408 but showed a sophisticated ability to gameplan and control the zone (20% walk rate) with considerable opposite-field power. There's some platoon risk with Casas, though he had quality left-on-left at-bats in the big leagues. Defensively, he moved well around the bag and showed a good arm.
The Future: Casas will either open 2023 in the big leagues or get there--likely permanently--by early to midseason. He could emerge as a middle-of-the-order force who takes aim at the Green Monster for years to come.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 65. Speed: 30. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50 -
BA Grade: 60/High
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. -
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.
-
Casas spent nearly the entire season in Portland, save for a trip to Tokyo to play in the Olympics and then a late-September promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He showed improvements in several significant metrics. Key among those improvements was an improvement in strikeout rate. Casas cut that rate from 23.5% in 2019 to 19.1% this year as he rose from Low-A to Double-A. Some expressed concern that Casas’ lefthanded power stroke didn’t really seem to translate into games until late in the year, with six of his 13 home runs coming in September, including five over a stretch of three straight games in New Hampshire. But scouts were impressed by his athletic ability at first base even with his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame. -
Hitting: 55. Power: 65. Run: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50
Track Record: Casas combined elite power in high school with a surprisingly mature approach that became evident against advanced competition in showcase events and playing for USA Baseball's 18U National Team. The Red Sox drafted Casas 26th overall in 2018 and signed him for just over $2.5 million. After most of his 2018 pro debut was wiped out following a strained thumb ligament, his 2019 minor league season didn't disappoint. He joined Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenagers in more than half a century to hit 20 or more homers in one year and ranked as the top infield prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League. Casas was set to open 2020 in high Class A before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the minor league season, and he joined the team's alternate training site in late August. He arrived in tremendous shape and ready to hit against more experienced pitchers.
Scouting Report: Casas already has the size and strength to launch moonshots from left-center to right field. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, like most big power hitters, but he's shown the self-awareness and aptitude to cover holes. That trait was evident at the alternate site, where he showed an improved ability to turn on and backspin velocity on the inner half, while continuing to drive pitches away to the opposite field. That all-fields approach is evidence of a player committed to being more than an all-or-nothing hitter. Casas, who considers Joey Votto a model, spreads out his stance and chokes up with two strikes. His strike-zone awareness ranks among the best in the system. While Casas was drafted as a third baseman, his future is at first base, where he has a chance to be at least an above-average defender given his wingspan and solid arm strength. Casas is uncommonly mature, showing both an interest in feedback while also having the self-understanding to filter what works for him. He has worked out with big leaguers in South Florida for years, something that helped him remain unfazed against older competition.
The Future: Casas made a compelling case to open 2021 at Double-A with his performance at the alternate site. Some in the organization believe he is sufficiently advanced to fast track to the majors by the end of the season. Even if Casas travels a more conservative time frame, team officials believe he will become a middle-of-the-lineup staple for years to come. In an era where first basemen are rarely considered top prospects, Casas has an offensive ceiling that allows him to fit the bill. . -
Hitting: 55. Power: 65. Run: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50
Track Record: Casas combined elite power in high school with a surprisingly mature approach that became evident against advanced competition in showcase events and playing for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team. The Red Sox drafted Casas 26th overall in 2018 and signed him for just over $2.5 million. After most of his 2018 pro debut was wiped out following a strained thumb ligament, his 2019 minor league season didn’t disappoint. He joined Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenagers in more than half a century to hit 20 or more homers in one year and ranked as the top infield prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League. Casas was set to open 2020 in high Class A before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the minor league season, and he joined the team’s alternate training site in late August. He arrived in tremendous shape and ready to hit against more experienced pitchers.
Scouting Report: Casas already has the size and strength to launch moonshots from left-center to right field. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, like most big power hitters, but he’s shown the self-awareness and aptitude to cover holes. That trait was evident at the alternate site, where he showed an improved ability to turn on and backspin velocity on the inner half, while continuing to drive pitches away to the opposite field. That all-fields approach is evidence of a player committed to being more than an all-or-nothing hitter. Casas, who considers Joey Votto a model, spreads out his stance and chokes up with two strikes. His strike-zone awareness ranks among the best in the system. While Casas was drafted as a third baseman, his future is at first base, where he has a chance to be at least an above-average defender given his wingspan and solid arm strength. Casas is uncommonly mature, showing both an interest in feedback while also having the self-understanding to filter what works for him. He has worked out with big leaguers in South Florida for years, something that helped him remain unfazed against older competition.
The Future: Casas made a compelling case to open 2021 at Double-A with his performance at the alternate site. Some in the organization believe he is sufficiently advanced to fast track to the majors by the end of the season. Even if Casas travels a more conservative time frame, team officials believe he will become a middle-of-the-lineup staple for years to come. In an era where first basemen are rarely considered top prospects, Casas has an offensive ceiling that allows him to fit the bill. . -
Hitting: 55. Power: 65. Run: 40. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50
Track Record: Casas combined elite power in high school with a surprisingly mature approach that became evident against advanced competition in showcase events and playing for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team. The Red Sox drafted Casas 26th overall in 2018 and signed him for just over $2.5 million. After most of his 2018 pro debut was wiped out following a strained thumb ligament, his 2019 minor league season didn’t disappoint. He joined Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenagers in more than half a century to hit 20 or more homers in one year and ranked as the top infield prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League. Casas was set to open 2020 in high Class A before the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the minor league season, and he joined the team’s alternate training site in late August. He arrived in tremendous shape and ready to hit against more experienced pitchers.
Scouting Report: Casas already has the size and strength to launch moonshots from left-center to right field. He has some swing-and-miss to his game, like most big power hitters, but he’s shown the self-awareness and aptitude to cover holes. That trait was evident at the alternate site, where he showed an improved ability to turn on and backspin velocity on the inner half, while continuing to drive pitches away to the opposite field. That all-fields approach is evidence of a player committed to being more than an all-or-nothing hitter. Casas, who considers Joey Votto a model, spreads out his stance and chokes up with two strikes. His strike-zone awareness ranks among the best in the system. While Casas was drafted as a third baseman, his future is at first base, where he has a chance to be at least an above-average defender given his wingspan and solid arm strength. Casas is uncommonly mature, showing both an interest in feedback while also having the self-understanding to filter what works for him. He has worked out with big leaguers in South Florida for years, something that helped him remain unfazed against older competition.
The Future: Casas made a compelling case to open 2021 at Double-A with his performance at the alternate site. Some in the organization believe he is sufficiently advanced to fast track to the majors by the end of the season. Even if Casas travels a more conservative time frame, team officials believe he will become a middle-of-the-lineup staple for years to come. In an era where first basemen are rarely considered top prospects, Casas has an offensive ceiling that allows him to fit the bill. . -
TRACK RECORD: After reclassifying to enter the draft a year earlier than his peers, Casas emerged as one of the top high school position prospects in the 2018 draft by displaying standout all-fields power both with aluminum and, while playing in international competition for Team USA, wood bats. In 2019, he cemented his status as a standout player for his age and experience level, primarily at low Class A Greenville. He ranked in the top three of all 2018 high school draftees in OPS and homers while also joining Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenager in the last 50 years to hit at least 20 homers in one year at any level.
SCOUTING REPORT: Casas is gigantic, with size and strength in his lefthanded swing to generate easy power from left-center field to right. However, he sometimes fights his frame. In an effort to limit strikeouts, he opened the year employing a spread-out stance with a pronounced crouch, but the effort backfired and instead created extra movement in his swing that resulted in a high April strikeout rate. Casas showed aptitude and adaptability, employing a more natural, upright stance starting in May. The move showed not only standout power but also a versatile approach that suggested a solid overall hitting foundation that could help to control his strikeout rate. The lefthanded masher also chokes up with two strikes, and his willingness to use the whole field helps control his swings and misses. Casas played third base in high school (and a little bit in the minors), and his range at first base projects as above-average to plus, and his wingspan will be an asset. His arm is solid to above-average at first. He’s a below-average runner, but his ceiling isn’t predicated on speed. Team officials rave about his makeup, describing Casas as unusually mature in his routines, work ethic and preparation. He is a student of the game. Scouts see similarities to Freddie Freeman in his all-around game.
THE FUTURE: Casas is likely to open 2020 in high Class A Salem, and while it wouldn’t be a shock to see him struggle at some point, it likewise wouldn’t be surprising to see him remain on an aggressive development track. He projects as a player who could see the big leagues by early 2022 or even late 2021, with the potential to serve as a middle-of-the-order force and the organization’s clear top prospect. SCOUTING GRADES Hit: 55. Power: 60. Run: 40. Field: 60. Arm: 50. BA GRADE 60 Risk: High -
TRACK RECORD: After reclassifying to enter the draft a year earlier than his peers, Casas emerged as one of the top high school position prospects in the 2018 draft by displaying standout all-fields power both with aluminum and, while playing in international competition for Team USA, wood bats. In 2019, he cemented his status as a standout player for his age and experience level, primarily at low Class A Greenville. He ranked in the top three of all 2018 high school draftees in OPS and homers while also joining Xander Bogaerts as the only Red Sox teenager in the last 50 years to hit at least 20 homers in one year at any level.
SCOUTING REPORT: Casas is gigantic, with size and strength in his lefthanded swing to generate easy power from left-center field to right. However, he sometimes fights his frame. In an effort to limit strikeouts, he opened the year employing a spread-out stance with a pronounced crouch, but the effort backfired and instead created extra movement in his swing that resulted in a high April strikeout rate. Casas showed aptitude and adaptability, employing a more natural, upright stance starting in May. The move showed not only standout power but also a versatile approach that suggested a solid overall hitting foundation that could help to control his strikeout rate. The lefthanded masher also chokes up with two strikes, and his willingness to use the whole field helps control his swings and misses. Casas played third base in high school (and a little bit in the minors), and his range at first base projects as above-average to plus, and his wingspan will be an asset. His arm is solid to above-average at first. He's a below-average runner, but his ceiling isn't predicated on speed. Team officials rave about his makeup, describing Casas as unusually mature in his routines, work ethic and preparation. He is a student of the game. Scouts see similarities to Freddie Freeman in his all-around game.
THE FUTURE: Casas is likely to open 2020 in high Class A Salem, and while it wouldn't be a shock to see him struggle at some point, it likewise wouldn't be surprising to see him remain on an aggressive development track. He projects as a player who could see the big leagues by early 2022 or even late 2021, with the potential to serve as a middle-of-the-order force and the organization's clear top prospect. -
Because of their well-rounded skill sets and defensive value, Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic of West Virginia were viewed as the most promising position players in the league. But when it came to hitting, Casas was viewed as a comparable prospect. "For a 19-year-old, he’s very advanced at the plate,” one scout said. "He doesn’t swing at much out of the strike zone.” Interestingly, Casas chokes up significantly on his bat, especially with two strikes, much like Joey Votto, and sacrifices a little leverage for better barrel control. He’s strong enough that it doesn’t significantly diminish his power—he hit eight of his 19 home runs with two strikes. He has a chance to be an above-average hitter with plus power. In the field, Casas didn’t play third base after mid-July. At first base, he should be an average defender with an above-average arm. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 240 pounds, he presents a big target. -
Casas distinguished himself both in high school and in three years playing for Team USA as one of the best high school hitters available in this year’s draft class, combining not just tremendous power from the left side (he cleared the bullpens in right field at Fenway in a team workout prior to the draft) but also the ability to drive the ball to all fields in a fashion that reminded some evaluators of Freddie Freeman. In his second game, however, Casas (while attempting to make a diving play at third) suffered a torn ligament on his right thumb that required season-ending surgery. There’s a chance he’ll be ready to participate in instructional league, but if not, the Sox see a potential middle-of-the-order bat who can either play a passable third or who will have well above-average defensive abilities at first.
