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The Boston Red Sox are in the market for a first baseman after losing Triston Casas for the year. With Rafael Devers making it clear he will not play there, they could swing a trade.
The Red Sox are working Kristian Campbell out at first base, but have not started him there yet. That might be the best case scenario for the Red Sox, as it would allow No. 2 prospect Marcelo Mayer to be called up and play second base. However, if Campbell does not show he can handle first base, the Red Sox could call the Baltimore Orioles about Ryan Mountcastle, according to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller.
Mountcastle is hitting .232 with just two home runs this year. However, even that would be an upgrade over what the Red Sox were getting out of Casas and are currently getting from their platoon.
"Even before Casas' season-ending knee injury, it's not like things were going great at that position," wrote Miller. "Now, however, they've gone from a near-everyday first baseman with a .580 OPS to just a huge unknown from one day to the next."
Mountcastle has hit 93 home runs since making his debut in 2020. He hit 33 home runs in 2021, but his power numbers have declined over the years. He will not be a free agent until 207, and Spotrac projects him to get a five-year, $74 million deal in free agency. The Orioles may not be looking to keep him around much longer.
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The Orioles are 15-30, and all signs point to a fire sale in Baltimore. Mountcastle would be a great short-term option for the Red Sox as they try to fill the void left by Casas. Mountcastle would not cost them much in terms of prospect capital. Perhaps playing on a team with a chance to make the postseason could unlock some of the production he has lost.
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