ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Triston Casas has put together a quality season.
After a rough April, the Red Sox first baseman has turned himself into one of the best hitters in baseball. Entering Monday’s series opener against the Rays, Casas was batting .297/.386/.543 with a .929 OPS since May. His overall slash line through 123 games of .268/.368/.503 with 23 home runs and a team-leading .871 OPS should surely put him in the discussion for American League Rookie of the Year.
More importantly, Casas has proven himself to be a huge piece of the Sox’ present and future, which raises the question: Would the 23-year-old entertain a contract extension?
“Yes, it’s something that I would entertain,” Casas said before contributing a three-run homer and RBI single to the Sox’ 7-3 win.
Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll signed an eight-year, $111 million extension during spring training after just 115 plate appearances in 2022, continuing a recent trend — spearheaded by the Braves — of locking up young stars. Carroll hasn’t made Arizona regret the decision, batting .282/.362/.523 with 24 homers and an .885 OPS through 132 games while also playing exceptionally well in the outfield.
Carroll’s overall tool set is heavier than Casas’s, but when it comes to offense, among all rookies with at least 450 plate appearances, Casas’s OPS ranks second to Carroll, who is the same age.
“I think in my short time that I’ve been in the org [organization], everybody’s treated me really well and with open arms,” Casas said. “They have always provided me with all types of resources to be successful, which is all I can ask for.
“I’m not a super-high-maintenance person. I don’t need a lot. I just need the fundamentals and necessities and I’m happy.
“I’m really happy with the people in the organization. So, yeah, of course, I’d love to spend my whole career here in Boston.”
Casas has struggled defensively, but his age suggests that he could still improve.
The Red Sox and Casas haven’t had any discussions on an extension. The club stuck with Casas, allowing him to figure it out at the big league level and believing he could make the necessary adjustments, and now it’s paying off.
“He’s a good player, man,” manager Alex Cora said. “And not only offensively, he’s getting better defensively. That’s something we need. He’s been picking throws better than earlier in the season. Moving better to his left. Better decisions over there.
“Offensively, now he’s hitting the ball all over the place. He’s driving the ball to left, left-center. He’s going to get his hits that way, and he doesn’t get away from his plan. At the end of the day, what he wants is to do damage in the zone or he’s going to take his walks.”
Hamstring sidelines Verdugo
Alex Verdugo (left hamstring tightness) was out of the lineup. The injury occurred during Sunday’s series finale against the Royals.
The right fielder also will miss Tuesday’s contest, but there is a possibility he could play Wednesday. However, that timeline might be too ambitious, considering the turf at Tropicana Field and the offday Thursday.
Friday’s series opener against the Orioles at Fenway Park is more likely in play for Verdugo.
Jansen finishes despite cramp
Cora and a member of the training staff checked on Kenley Jansen during the ninth inning. The closer stayed in the game to secure the victory. Jansen, who suffered a right hamstring injury in Houston during the club’s most recent road series, said he felt some cramping in that area. However, it is something he believes he can pitch through.
Gillaspie in on waiver claim
The Red Sox claimed righthander Logan Gillaspie off waivers from the Orioles and optioned him to Triple A. To make room for the reliever on the 40-man roster, outfielder Jarren Duran (toe) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Gillaspie, 26, pitched in 11 games for the Orioles this season, yielding six runs in nine innings.
Julian McWilliams can be reached at julian.mcwilliams@globe.com. Follow him @byJulianMack.