“With this year’s rookie class, I didn’t know where I would end up.”

Triston Casas is the first Red Sox to be an AL Rookie of the Year finalist since 2017. Erin Clark/The Boston Globe

For the first time in six years, the Red Sox have a Rookie of the Year finalist.

After a strong performance in his first full season in the MLB, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas has been named a finalist for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Casas was one of three finalists among a talented group of youngsters in the AL, with the infielder joined by infielder Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles and right-handed pitcher Tanner Bibee of the Cleveland Guardians.

“It was amazing,” Casas said on MLB Network about his finalist status. “With this year’s rookie class, I didn’t know where I would finish. From top to bottom – position players, throwers. This year saw the emergence of a rookie class unlike any other.

“Gunnar is a great player and I had the opportunity to meet Tanner earlier this year. It means a lot to be talking to those two.”

After a stellar rookie season, Triston Casas was just named an AL Rookie of the Year Finalist!@officialBBWAA | @Red Stockings pic.twitter.com/kgWt66BFWh

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 6, 2023

Casas developed into one of Boston’s most reliable hitters over the course of the season, with the 23-year-old infielder developing a knack for getting on base with a keen eye at the plate.

After a slow start, with Casas hitting just .195 through the first two months of the season, he managed to right the ship when the calendar switched to the summer months.

He finished the 2023 season hitting .263/.367/.490 with 24 home runs with 65 RBIs and an .856 OPS. As noted by MassLive’s Christopher SmithCasas finished the year at the 93rd percentile in walk rate (13.9%).

“I got into a position during the middle months where things started to heat up, and so did I,” Casas said of his second-half surge. “It was a trickle-down effect. One adjustment led to another, meaning constant progress throughout the year.

“It’s a credit to the coaching staff and front office for giving me the opportunity to fail and find my niche. It was only a matter of time. I felt like I had confidence in myself, and so did she.”

Casas looks to become the first Red Sox player to take home the AL Rookie of the Year Award since Dustin Pedroia won the honor in 2007. The last Boston player to be named a finalist for the award was Andrew Benintendi in 2017.

The winner of the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Award will be announced on November 13.