The Red Sox were riding high in the early part of the season. However, sometimes the game has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. What began as a profitable year quickly became an injury-prone year. It has become more intricate when Triston Casas cast a shadow over their lineup. With the season hanging in the balance, the team now identifies itself as scrambling for outcomes.

In this moment of chaos, the question on every Red Sox fan’s mind is: What is next? With a glaring hole in the roster, could Anthony Rizzo be the answer?

When Casas was sidelined by a season-ending injury, it did not just rattle the team—it shook their entire outlook for the season. Casas, who had missed significant time last year with injury issues, was assumed to be a big star of the Red Sox’s lineup. However, currently, with his absence confirmed, Boston is left with a glaring gap at first base. Boston Strong reported it perfectly, “Triston Casas is done for the year and it could take him up to a year to be back in baseball. This is just terrible news, especially after only playing 63 games last season“.

So, what now? Well, with the team sitting in a competitive AL East, they can not afford to waste any time. The Red Sox are in search of a reliable outcome fast. That is where Rizzo enters the moment. The New York Yankees‘ first baseman has long been regarded as an elite power hitter in the league. In addition, his veteran leadership is something that the Red Sox could definitely utilize currently. However, there is a kick—Rizzo’s current performance and age make him a tricky proposition for the Red Sox front office. Could they pull the trigger on a trade?

Why Rizzo? It’s simple—he’s been in the postseason spotlight before, and his experience would bring stability to a shaken roster. But there’s more. Rizzo’s not having his best season, and the Yankees have been inconsistent in recent years, which could make him available at the right price. However, the big question remains: Would Boston want to trade for a player who’s seen his best years behind him?

Now, time to break this down. First off, Rizzo’s numbers have seen a dip in current years. His power has dropped, with his slugging percentage down compared to his peak years in Chicago. However, it’s worth noting that his on-base percentage still makes him a valuable asset, especially for a team like the Red Sox, who need a strong presence in the middle of their lineup.

But here’s where it gets tricky: the Red Sox are not in a position to make a short-term fix. They’re looking for a player who can contribute now, but also fit into the team’s future plans. A move for Rizzo could be a gamble.

With Casas out, the Red Sox are left scrambling for an answer. While Rizzo could provide an immediate boost, would the Red Sox be better off looking elsewhere? After all, with the trade deadline looming, the market is flooded with options. But Rizzo, for all his flaws, brings a level of experience and credibility that might be just what Boston needs to stabilize their lineup.

Toro’s call-up provides versatility, but Red Sox still face depth puzzle

Anthony Rizzo is an option; however, until the approach takes momentum, the team can not walk in the dark. In this situation, internal options are the most effective answer. As an internal answer, Abraham Toro’s return to the majors provides much-needed versatility. The 28-year-old star had been vital with Triple-A Worcester. In addition, the Red Sox star hit .310 across 100 at-bats, with seven doubles, two triples and two home runs. In 2023, with Oakland, the star played 94 games. At that time, he hit .240 while logging innings at five positions. Toro’s multi-positional approach makes the stat more than just a temporary fill-in—he is a flexible need in the team, suddenly needing movable pieces.

However, versatility does not mask the reality: Boston is still thin at vital positions. Brennan Bernardino’s return from the bereavement list helps the bullpen, however, the lineup remains in flux. Toro is not a power bat. In addition, while Romy Gonzalez delivered a run-scoring double on Friday, reliability remains an issue. The Red Sox could rely on internal depth currently. However, with the trade deadline coming nearer and the AL East forces enhancing, a patchwork outcome could not hold for long.

The team’s internal moves show urgency, however, the bigger picture remains cloudy. If performance does not stabilize quickly, a roster shake-up could move from Plan B to Plan A.

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