Understanding The Benefits Of Early Contract Extensions
Although Triston Casas is still a rookie, exploring an extension with him could be a smart move for the Boston Red Sox moving forward. The left-handed first baseman made an impact in his first few months in the bigs and shows the potential to grow into one of the best players on the team.
But before I dive deeper into these reasons, I want to look at the benefits of extending talent early in their playing careers. This is something we are seeing more and more often in Major League Baseball, namely by the Atlanta Braves and team president Alex Anthopolous.
Benefit 1: Team Control Beyond Six Seasons
By signing an early extension, the team secures the rights to the player for a longer period of time and can avoid having to negotiate expensive contracts when their value goes up. This helps keep payroll under control and makes it easier to stay within budget while still being able to sign key players.
Benefit 2: Peace of Mind For Both Sides
Signing an extension early on gives both parties peace of mind knowing their future is secure. For players, this means they don’t have to worry about negotiating contracts every few years or dealing with trade rumors as they approach free agency. While teams don’t have to worry about losing key players due to salary constraints.
Benefit 3: Improved Morale For Both Player & Team
The Red Sox saw the opposite effect this can have last season with shortstop Xander Bogaerts, as a dark cloud was hanging over the team throughout the 2022 campaign. The fact is, a player with a contract extension will feel more secure and motivated to perform when they are getting fairly compensated. It’s peace of mind knowing you’ll be in the same spot for the foreseeable future.
Benefit 4: Creates Stability Within Your Organization
Signing young players to extensions is a smart way for organizations to increase long-term stability. When a team invests in a player, it reinforces loyalty and trust in their core group of talent. This helps build a stable culture, motivates players, and strengthens their bond with the organization and its fans.
Why A Triston Casas Extension Makes Sense
Since joining the team last season, Triston Casas has made a strong impression at the plate and in the field. This combination of talent makes the young first baseman an excellent candidate to secure a contract extension. Doing so would be a secure investment in an excellent player that should be at the core of their future plans.
It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could benefit both the team and the player.
His Combination of Power & Plate Discipline
At 6’4″ and 230 pounds, Casas possesses a strong frame that allows him to generate plenty of power when making contact. But what really sets Triston apart from other players is his plate discipline; in his first 75 plate appearances last season, he sported a 21.8% walk rate. This is something you rarely see in players so early in their careers.
Avoids Another Mookie Betts/Xander Bogaerts Situation
Signing Triston Casas now could prove beneficial for both short-term and long-term planning. It helps ensure the Sox don’t end up dealing with another Mookie Betts or Xander Bogaert’s situation where they lose stars due to a lack of budget flexibility. Something Red Sox fans are extremely tired of hearing over the past handful of years.
Casas Has A Strong Work Ethic
Since being drafted, Triston Casas has been known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He doesn’t want anything handed to him and wants to earn it through hard work. This speaks volumes about the kind of character this young man possesses, which is invaluable when building chemistry in the clubhouse.
He’s Not Afraid To Be Himself
Despite being one of the younger players in baseball, Casas is comfortable going against the grain and showing his true personality. This self-confidence makes him stand out amongst other players around baseball and is an indication he clearly has what it takes to succeed in a market like Boston.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I believe the Red Sox would be wise to consider giving Triston Casas an extension before his value skyrockets and end up with another Mookie Betts situation. While this may seem like an unnecessary move so early in his career, it has the potential to pay huge dividends in terms of roster construction going forward.
