FORT MYERS, Fla. — When the Red Sox drafted Conrad Cason out of high school in 2024, they believed the Atlanta-area standout might have what it takes to become a rare two-way player in professional baseball.
That dream may yet become a reality, but for now it has been delayed.
After appearing in just two games of rookie ball in his first full season as a professional, Cason was sidelined due to a right elbow issue that eventually required Tommy John surgery. That procedure took place in August, all but eliminating any chance Cason could take the mound in a competitive game this year.
Fortunately the recovery timeline for position players is shorter, so Cason won’t have to wait too much longer to pick up where he left off.
“It (stunk) but we got through it and looking for the days after and it’s going well so far this spring,” Cason said this week in Fort Myers. “I’m excited to get back on the field with the guys and start playing again.”
Cason said the injury that derailed his first year as a professional didn’t happen in any specific game and was something that progressively got worse over time. Now six months out from surgery, Cason said he’s right on schedule in his rehab and is feeling great.
“Pretty much doing everything besides throwing off the mound right now,” Cason said. “I’m hitting in (live batting practice), fielding with the groups and throwing across the infield, doing base running and all that fun stuff, so I’m pretty much doing everything except for throwing off the mound.”
Originally selected in the eighth-round of the 2024 MLB Draft and signed to an over-slot $1.25 million bonus that ranked third highest in his Red Sox draft class, Cason came to the organization seeking to become the first modern two-way player in Red Sox history.
A natural athlete, Cason possessed a unique combination of power and speed along with some impressive range and, obviously, a cannon of an arm. Prior to his injury, the right-hander boasted a fastball that could touch 97 mph, along with some high-upside secondary offerings.
Still only 19 years old, Cason ranks as Boston’s No. 30 prospect according to MLB Pipeline’s latest rankings. He will most likely debut with the Low-A Salem RidgeYaks at some point this year, though Red Sox senior director of player development Brian Abraham indicated he might not be ready for Opening Day.
“Hard to say if he’ll be ready for Opening Day because the throwing piece is important, we’re not going to rush him just for the start of the season,” Abraham said. “I definitely expect him to be playing for a full-season club at some point but I don’t know if it will be the start.”
Between spring training, extended spring, his brief stint in the Florida Complex League and subsequent injury rehab, Cason spent his entire first professional season in Fort Myers. While his season was limited to a two-inning outing and four at bats as a designated hitter, Cason said he’s still gotten a lot out of his experience so far.
For one, he’s gotten a lot bigger, gaining 24 pounds since he was drafted to bring himself up to 214. On top of that, he’s also had a chance to connect with a number of big leaguers who have come through Fort Myers on their own rehab assignments.
“I wouldn’t say last year was a loss,” Cason said. “Because learning from the handful of big league guys that were down here and being able to talk to them and work out with them and pick their brains every single day, I learned a lot outside of playing baseball.”
One such big leaguer was Kutter Crawford, who missed all of last season with a series of knee and wrist injuries and previously underwent Tommy John surgery himself earlier in his career. Crawford said Cason made a good impression and he’s excited to see what he could do down the road.
“He’s a great kid,” Crawford said. “He’s gifted and he’s one of those special athletes that he’s going to be fun to watch as he continues to mature and develop.”
The obvious question for Cason once he completes his recovery is whether or not he will remain a two-way player. Asked this week, Cason indicated that is still the plan but that there are a couple of targets he will have to hit before they can decide on his best path forward.
“Yeah, you know, it’s still in the talks and still in the works,” Cason said. “It all depends on what happens with the rehab process and we’ll see where things go from there.”
Either way, whether it’s as a shortstop this year or some other role next year, Cason hopes it won’t be long before he finally has a chance to don a Red Sox uniform and show fans what he can do.
“I think the biggest thing is that I’m ready to play for the Red Sox fans across the country and all the affiliates,” Cason said. “I’m looking forward to putting on a healthy year and playing for them.”
