The Red Sox are not giving up on their quest to strengthen their catching department, despite the recent signings of key players. With a focus on upgrading their rotation and infield, the team has also been actively pursuing top catchers.
The pursuit of J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini is a testament to their determination. While Realmuto returned to Philadelphia, and Caratini signed with the Twins, the Red Sox are still in the game. Sean McAdam from MassLive reports that the team is "active" in their search for an upgrade behind the plate, and they were "very much involved" in the Caratini market.
But here's where it gets interesting. Carlos Narvaez, the impressive 2025 AL Rookie of the Year contender, is already a strong presence. His combination of average offense and elite defense makes him a valuable asset. However, the question arises: could Narvaez benefit from some backup?
Narvaez caught a significant number of innings last season, ranking ninth among catchers in 2025. While it's not the highest workload, it's worth noting that his offensive performance dipped in the second half. Could reducing his defensive responsibilities help maintain his offensive prowess throughout the season?
The challenge lies in finding a suitable backup. Connor Wong, currently the primary backup, has struggled defensively and offensively. The market for catchers is now limited, with the top names like Caratini and Realmuto off the board. Gary Sanchez and Jonah Heim are still available, but the Red Sox might need to look beyond free agency.
McAdam suggests the team could turn to trade talks. The Red Sox have previously discussed Dalton Rushing with the Dodgers and Kyle Teel, a former Red Sox prospect. Trade options could include players like Jarren Duran, J.C. Escarra, Rafael Marchan, or Ryan Jeffers, depending on team needs and availability.
However, the Red Sox might face competition from teams like the Rays and Astros, who also have catching needs. With Wong's potential for improvement, the team could opt for a minor league deal with depth players like Matt Thaiss or Luke Maile.
And this is the part most people miss: the Red Sox have options, but they must choose wisely. Will they find the right trade or sign a free agent to bolster their catching tandem? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is the Red Sox' catching situation a cause for concern, or do they have the right strategy in place? Let's discuss in the comments!
