One moment, you’re standing at your base, and the next moment, the ground under you starts to shake. That’s what happened with Triston Casas, the Red Sox’s first baseman. Days after Casas displayed support, trying to maintain Rafael Devers at 3B—his first base is under threat. A new name has entered the conversation—one that could change everything. And if Boston replies to the new guy’s interest, Casas’s loyalty to his teammates might not be enough to keep his spot. 

The Red Sox weren’t exactly looking for drama when they signed the superstar, Alex Bregman. They were merely looking to bag the best defensive third basemen in the league. But this addition shook up the Red Sox’s clubhouse and threatened Rafael Devers’ spot – the third base. Devers signed an 11-year, $331 million deal just last year. He did not expect his position to be under threat, obviously. Therefore, all hell broke loose.

While Devers has built a strong offense for the Sox, Bregman’s game is way more advanced. If Boston was prioritizing defense, they could move Devers. But Devers made his stance clear, 3B is his position, and intends to concrete his base. That’s when fellow teammate, 1B, Triston Casas joined the debate. 

“I think it’s Rafi D’s position. He’s the third baseman, and at that point, that’s where it stands,” Casas said showing his support. “He’s done it for a long time now. And he’s only gotten better at doing it,” he added. Siding with Devers when the Red Sox’s front office seems to be rethinking everything to switch things up may not have been the best idea. 

That’s when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entered the conversation, shaking up the Red Sox’s infield discussion even more. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the first baseman has been the key player to the Toronto Blue Jays’ offense for years.  However, Vlad Jr. may not spend his next season in Hogtown. Vlad Jr. has reportedly turned down two contract extension offers from the Blue Jays. The negotiations are currently stalling, but it’s possible Vlad Jr. may become a free agent after the 2025 season. 

The Red Sox ended the 2024 season with an even 81-81 record. Finishing the season in third place in the AL East. Not exactly a dominant score and certainly not the dominant play the Red Sox Nation is used to. Adding on, their audience may be slowly losing interest. Red Sox home attendance in 2024, averaged 32,838 fans per game. This is a continued decline from 35,748 in 2018 and 32,989 in 2023. With this and the Yankees and Rays overtaking, it’s clear that Boston needs to switch it up. Getting in new stars attracts fans, and, yes, they might have got one. 

This could be an opportunity for Boston with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s separation from the Blue Jays and his interest in the Red Sox. However, it would put them in the same position as now. Triston Casas, their current first baseman, had a .263 average, 24 home runs, and .865 OPS in 2023, leaving him confident of his own position. While not as good as his 2023 season, he had a decent 2024 season, posting a .241 batting average, 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .800 OPS. 

However, Vlad Jr., an All-Star player and a former AL MVP candidate, had a .323 batting average, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs in the 2024 season. This sort of offensive talent from Vlad Jr. would be attractive to any team looking to switch up their game. 

But would the Red Sox take in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as an upgrade over Casas? Casas has potential but Vlad Jr.’s track record shows a better performance. Still, taking him into the team would mean a replica of the ongoing 3B drama. If he comes in, would the All-Star first baseman be a designated hitter (DH), keeping Casas at first base?

This would keep Casas, at first, while integrating Vlad Jr.’s offensive power into their lineup. But this solution also comes with challenges, it will mean shuffling existing DH options and altering payrolls.

All in all, while the idea of acquiring Vlad Jr. is enticing, the Red Sox must consider the pros and cons of such a move.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. draws interest from multiple MLB teams

From the looks of it, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is getting ready to go the free agency route after the 2025 season. And teams are already lining up to bag The All-Star first baseman. So far the Red Sox are involved, especially with reports that the hard-hitting Dominican star would entertain Boston. 

The Mets are also involved in the mix, After the record-breaking deal of $765 million with Juan Soto, we know the Mets got the money. But the Mets aren’t immune to twists—Pete Alonso’s future with the Mets isn’t solid either. Alonso signed a two-year deal with an opt-out, giving Mets, a chance to reconsider. It’s a possibility that Vlad Jr. could be their long-term solution.

Then there are the usual teams with the big bucks and hunger for talent—the Giants, Cubs, and Padres. But the Yankees may not be joining the bid. Let’s just say the star slugger isn’t exactly a fan of the pinstripes. Even though he softened his stance about them in 2024, he has made past comments about never wanting to join the Bombers. This makes his free agency race even more interesting.

With the 2025 season approaching, the anticipation around Vlad Jr.’s next move will only get deeper. Which team will he end up with? And which ones will miss out? Things are just heating up, we are in for an interesting season.