The Boston Red Sox have long struggled to find consistency at first base, and this year, they're betting big on Willson Contreras to finally change that. Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in late December, Contreras—yes, with two Ls—is no stranger to the spotlight. A catcher for the first nine years of his career, he made a seamless transition to first base last season, playing 120 games there and 15 as a designated hitter. But here's where it gets interesting: Contreras isn't just a stopgap; he’s expected to bring the kind of stability—both offensively and defensively—that the Red Sox haven’t seen at first base in years.
Let’s take a step back and look at the recent history of first basemen in Boston. Since 2020, the position has been a revolving door of underperformance. Michael Chavis, Bobby Dalbec, Dominic Smith, and Abraham Toro all had their chances, but only Triston Casas in 2023 managed a positive WAR (2.2). The rest? Let’s just say it’s been a rough ride. And this is the part most people miss: Contreras, despite being 33, has been a model of consistency. Since turning 30, he’s posted an OPS between .791 and .848 each season, with a wRC+ consistently above 124. Even in an injury-shortened 2024, he hit 15 home runs in just 84 games.
But here’s the controversial part: Can a former catcher really be the long-term answer at first base? Contreras handled the position masterfully last season, ranking in the 90th percentile in Outs Above Average, but some fans still wonder if his defensive skills will hold up over a full season. Plus, his walk rate dropped to 7.8% last year, well below his career average of 9.8%. Still, his bat speed remains elite—top-5 percentile—and Fenway’s Green Monster could turn his 31 doubles from last season into even more extra-base hits.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Triston Casas. After a promising 2023, injuries derailed his 2024 and 2025 seasons. A ruptured patellar tendon ended his 2025 campaign early, and while he’s looked good in spring training, his health remains a question mark. If Casas returns to form, the Red Sox could have a crowded infield—or a valuable trade chip. But will he ever reach his potential? And if not, is Contreras enough to carry the load?
Then there’s Romy Gonzalez, who raked against left-handed pitching last season (.305/.343/.483) but is battling a lingering shoulder injury. If he returns mid-season, he’s a solid backup plan. But what if neither Casas nor Gonzalez pans out? The Red Sox have Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as emergency options, but neither has much experience at first base. Kiner-Falefa, in particular, has never played the position in the majors—though he’s eager to try. “It would be fun to say I played all nine positions once my career is over,” he said. Fun? Maybe. But is it a risk the Red Sox can afford?
In the minors, Nick Sogard and Nathan Hickey are waiting in the wings. Sogard, 28, has already seen time with the big club and could be on the Opening Day roster. Hickey, 26, needs a breakout 2026 to be considered. But neither is a sure thing.
Fangraphs projects the Red Sox first basemen to produce around 1,300 plate appearances this season, with Contreras leading the charge. But how will he fare in the AL East, arguably the toughest division for first basemen? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) and Pete Alonso (BAL) are perennial All-Stars, while Ben Rice (NYY) and Jonathan Aranda (TB) are rising stars. Contreras ranks third in our divisional rankings, but some fans might argue he’s higher—or lower. What do you think? Is Contreras the answer, or just another temporary fix?
Here’s the bigger question: Can the Red Sox finally stabilize first base, or will it remain a weak spot? Let us know in the comments—and don’t hold back. The debate is wide open.
