Red Sox Pursue Catching Upgrade: Active in Trade Market

This article takes a look at how the Boston Red Sox keep searching for help behind the plate after missing out on several top catching targets. Even with some decent options already in-house, questions about workload, hitting, and depth keep the front office busy in both the free-agent and trade markets as the offseason drags on.

Red Sox Stay Active in Catcher Market

The Red Sox started the offseason knowing catcher would be a position to watch. That urgency hasn’t really faded, honestly.

MassLive reporter Sean McAdam says Boston was “very much involved” in talks for Victor Caratini before he signed elsewhere. The club also came up short chasing J.T. Realmuto.

Those misses haven’t slowed Boston’s search. Even as options dwindle, the organization keeps checking out both free agents and possible trade targets, hoping to shore up a spot that’s always tough to fill.

Caratini and Realmuto Misses Shape the Market

Realmuto was probably always a long shot, given his price and the demand. Caratini seemed like a more realistic fit, though.

Missing on both guys just highlights how competitive the catcher market is, especially for teams like Boston trying to balance payroll with a real shot at contending now.

Carlos Narvaez Remains the Anchor

For now, Carlos Narvaez is still expected to be Boston’s main guy behind the dish. After an impressive 2025, Narvaez made a name for himself as one of the American League’s top defensive catchers and finished sixth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

He worked hard, logging 952 innings behind the plate—ninth-most among all MLB catchers. That says a lot about how much the coaches trust his game-calling and glove.

Workload and Second-Half Concerns

Still, Narvaez’s heavy workload might’ve worn him down. After the All-Star break, he slashed just .187/.233/.387, which raises a fair question: can Boston really lean on him that much again?

Connor Wong’s Uncertain Role

Connor Wong is expected to back up Narvaez, but his 2025 didn’t inspire much confidence. Wong struggled at the plate, hitting just .190/.262/.238 in 188 plate appearances.

He’s shown flashes defensively, but inconsistency keeps dogging him, making him a tough sell as a heavy-use No. 2 catcher.

Why Depth Still Matters

If Narvaez needs more rest or ends up missing time, the Red Sox could be in real trouble at catcher. That’s why the front office keeps poking around for outside upgrades, even with slim pickings left.

Free Agents and Trade Targets on the Radar

The free-agent catching pool is pretty thin now, but a few veterans are still out there:

Both bring power and experience, but each has their own defensive or cost issues.

Trade Market Challenges

Boston’s checked in on trades for guys like Dalton Rushing and former Sox prospect Kyle Teel, though nothing’s come of it so far. Other names floating around the league include:

Deals involving prospects like Carter Jensen or Blake Mitchell have popped up too, but the Red Sox might get outbid by teams like the Rays or Astros, who need catchers just as badly.

Likely Outcome for Opening Day

If the Red Sox don’t land a big upgrade, they’ll probably shift their focus to depth signings.

Minor-league deals for veterans like Matt Thaiss or Luke Maile could give them some backup options without breaking the bank.

In that case, Boston starts the season with Narvaez as the main catcher and Wong backing him up.

It’s a functional setup, but honestly, not what you’d hope for if the playoffs are the goal.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox “Remain Active” In Efforts To Upgrade Catching Tandem