The Boston Red Sox are still looking for ways to boost their roster. One name that keeps popping up? Catcher Jonah Heim, a familiar face from a recent World Series run. MLB analyst Joel Reuter thinks Heim could be a target as Boston tries to add some stability and upside behind the plate.
Heim’s offense has slipped lately, but his overall track record is pretty intriguing for a team that needs a steady glove and some pop at catcher.
Why the Red Sox Are Exploring Catching Upgrades
Catching has become a bigger talking point for Boston this offseason. The pitching staff is in flux, and the front office wants to squeeze every bit of run prevention out of the roster.
Boston’s looking hard at catchers who can frame pitches, manage games, and just be reliable back there. Reuter notes the team’s keeping its options open, especially since a lot of top free-agent catchers already signed elsewhere.
That leaves Heim as one of the more interesting names still on the market.
The Current Catching Picture in Boston
Right now, Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong are battling for spots, but neither guy feels like a sure thing for the long haul. Bringing in a veteran like Heim would raise the bar and spark some healthy competition this spring.
Jonah Heim’s Resume: Peaks and Valleys
Heim’s stat line doesn’t tell the whole story. His bat cooled off over the last two years, but if you look at the last five seasons, he’s quietly been one of the better power-hitting catchers out there.
Since 2021, Heim has hit 68 home runs, which puts him 10th among all MLB catchers. That kind of pop is tough to find, especially for a Red Sox lineup that likes versatility.
A Key Piece of a Championship Team
Heim’s big moment came in 2023 with the Texas Rangers. That year, he picked up:
An All-Star selection
A Gold Glove Award
Career-best offensive numbers
He finished with a .258 average, 18 homers, and 95 RBIs—pretty strong for a catcher in the American League.
What Went Wrong at the Plate?
Last season didn’t go as planned. Heim hit just .213 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs. The Rangers ended up non-tendering him in November, and he hit free agency.
Catchers go through slumps, especially when they’re grinding behind the plate every night. Some scouts still like Heim’s skill set and think he could bounce back if he lands in the right spot.
Defense and Pitch Handling Still Matter
Even when his bat went quiet, Heim’s defense and pitch-framing stayed sharp. For a Red Sox staff with a lot of young pitchers, having a catcher who can handle a game really matters.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Option for Boston
Reuter thinks Boston might go after Heim on a low-risk deal—maybe a minor-league contract with a spring invite. That’d give the Red Sox a chance to see what he’s got left without a big commitment.
It fits the team’s recent trend of hunting for undervalued vets who could surprise people.
Competition Around the League
Boston’s not the only team watching Heim. The Astros, Padres, and Rays have all reportedly checked in. Clearly, folks around the league think Heim still has something to offer.
If Boston can land him on favorable terms, it could turn out to be one of the sneakier depth moves of the offseason.
Final Thoughts
Jonah Heim doesn’t have the same momentum he rode during the Rangers’ championship run. Still, his track record tells me he’s not done yet.
If the Red Sox sign him, they’re making a calculated gamble. He’d bring veteran defense, leadership, and maybe—just maybe—find that above-average bat again.
In a division where every little edge matters, Heim could actually be a smart addition behind the plate.
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Named As Fit For Former World Series Champ
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