The Boston Red Sox lost Triston Casas to a season-ending knee injury. Rafael Devers has made it clear he will not play first base, which could force the team to make a trade.
The Red Sox are experimenting with Kristian Campbell at first base. He has not started a game there yet, but he is doing drills to give it a shot. However, if Campbell cannot make the change, the Red Sox could consider trading for Yandy Díaz of the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller.
Díaz signed a three-year, $24 million extension in 2023 and has a $12 million club option for 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays are 21-25 and could be sellers at the trade deadline. Trading Díaz within the division would not be their first choice, but could get them the best return. The Red Sox may end up desperate to land a first baseman as they chase the New York Yankees for the division lead.
Díaz won the American League batting title in 2023. He was also an All-Star and Silver Slugger that season. This season, he is hitting .243 with six home runs. He is not playing like the player he was in 2023 and 2024, but he would still be an upgrade over the production the Red Sox are currently getting at first base.
This year, he has primarily served as the designated hitter. However, he played 112 games at first base last season. He would be cheap and could be cut loose after this season. He could add a potential 20-home run bat to the middle of the Red Sox lineup.
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The Red Sox are not going to be the only team looking for a first baseman. If the Rays are open for business, many teams should be interested in Díaz, who can also play third base.
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