The Boston Red Sox will try to snap a two-game skid when they open a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. However, they’ll be doing so without first baseman Triston Casas, who underwent season-ending knee surgery over the weekend.
With Casas out for the remainder of the season, fans have been speculating potential fixes for the team’s first-base dilemma—though most ideas have been unrealistic. Rafael Devers appears uninterested in shifting positions, and the team is unwilling to move top prospect Roman Anthony to first base.
In short, options are scarce in Boston. The situation has become dire enough that one Red Sox insider is now advocating for the team to bring in a former rival slugger to fill the gap.
Red Sox Urged to Sign Anthony Rizzo After Losing Triston Casas to Injury
During a Monday appearance on Foul Territory, Chris Cotillo of MassLive speculated that the Red Sox could consider signing former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo to fill their current void at the position.
“The wild card here might be Anthony Rizzo,” Cotillo noted. “It’s unclear whether the Red Sox have interest in him, and if he’s looking for a Major League contract worth $4 to $5 million, they’re probably not going to bite. But if he’s open to a minor league deal—despite previously saying he wasn’t—that could change things.”
Cotillo added that Boston simply needs a short-term solution until the trade deadline.
"They need a solution to get them to the trade deadline."
Anthony Rizzo could be an option for the Red Sox at first base, says @ChrisCotillo. 👀 pic.twitter.com/J0EXUE8Bek
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 5, 2025
Though many forget, Rizzo actually began his professional career in the Red Sox organization. Drafted in the sixth round in 2007, the Florida native spent a few seasons in Boston’s farm system before being dealt to the Padres in a five-player trade that brought Adrian Gonzalez to Fenway in 2010.
A reunion with the Red Sox would represent a full-circle moment for Rizzo and could serve as a fitting end to his career. Since his departure, the 35-year-old has compiled 303 home runs, 965 RBIs, 781 walks, and a .261/.361/.467 line over 1,727 games with the Padres, Cubs, and Yankees.
His résumé also includes four Gold Gloves, three All-Star selections, and a World Series title in 2016.
Adding Rizzo would certainly strengthen Boston’s depth at first base, but any potential deal would depend on whether he’s willing to accept a reduced salary. Although his performance has declined in recent years, Rizzo told The Athletic in February that he wasn’t interested in signing for the MLB minimum.
“Teams expecting you to play for the league minimum—$760,000—are out of their minds,” Rizzo said. “That just hurts the market for the players coming after you.”
If a deal between Rizzo and the Red Sox is to happen, one side will need to compromise financially. Rizzo wants to be paid like a starting-caliber first baseman, but Boston may be hesitant to spend heavily on a veteran who hasn’t played yet this season.
For now, the Red Sox press on through May, holding the eighth-best World Series odds for 2025 at +1800 on FanDuel.
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