Triston Casas is optimistic that he's healthy and ready to turn the page on a rough 2025.
The Boston Red Sox first baseman told NESN's Tom Caron that he's beginning spring training strong. Casas suffered a season-ending left patellar tendon tear last May.
"As of right now, full go with all the activities that I'm allowed to do," Casas said. "Just taking it one day at a time. Not getting too ahead of myself planning-wise, but once I'm out there, I feel great. It's just a lot of fun being out there with the guys, so feels like normal again."
Casas is excited to participate in team activities at Fort Myers, Florida, after a long recovery.
"It definitely feels awesome," he said. "I've been working really hard the past week. It's definitely something I had circled on my calendar September and October, wanting to be out there for the first workout. That was an accomplishment in its own right, and everybody seems pleasantly surprised by my progress."
Once viewed as a long-term cornerstone, Casas must repair his stock after batting .182/.277/.303 in 29 games last season. He faces an uphill climb to earning a regular role with the Red Sox, who acquired Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals to play first base.
Despite facing adversity, the 26-year-old isn't second-guessing himself and expects to enjoy a bounce-back year.
"No moments of self-doubt whatsoever," Casas declared. "I'm completely confident in my abilities. The trainers, the coaches and the staff, I trust 100 percent, whatever plans they have for me. I feel like I'm in a good position right now to continue my rehab process and finish it strong.
"I'm ultra-confident, still, in myself. I know my abilities are to this caliber, so I think all things are pointing in the right direction towards having a good, healthy season."
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