Introduction
The catcher position quietly looms as a significant area of concern for the Boston Red Sox as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season. The club’s decision to trade top catching prospect Kyle Teel to the Chicago White Sox for left-hander Garrett Crochet has left a notable void behind the plate. This move, while fortifying the rotation with a much-needed ace, has thrust the Red Sox into a situation where they need to reassess their catching depth. With Reese McGuire departing via free agency, the Red Sox made two minor trades to acquire Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees and Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants. While neither newcomer will immediately challenge Connor Wong for the starting role, they offer solid backup options until a more significant upgrade is secured.
Connor Wong: The Front-Runner
Connor Wong, entering his third full season in the majors at age 28, is the clear-cut starting catcher for the 2025 Red Sox. Coming off a breakout year in 2024, where he posted a .280 batting average, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and an impressive 34 stolen bases over 126 games, Wong has demonstrated his offensive potential. However, his defensive metrics remain a cause for concern. Pitch framing and blocking have been persistent issues for him, placing him near the bottom of the league in these categories. Despite this, his ability to throw out baserunners remains above average. As long as Wong continues to produce offensively, his defensive shortcomings can be overlooked. The Red Sox are banking on his bat to carry him through the season, but his performance will be closely monitored to ensure that his defensive liabilities do not outweigh his offensive contributions.
Carlos Narvaez: The Defensive Ace
Carlos Narvaez, a 25-year-old backstop with limited MLB experience, was brought in to provide depth and address the defensive weaknesses in the catching department. Acquired from the Yankees in December in exchange for minor-league right-hander Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool space, Narvaez has the potential to make a substantial impact despite his brief tenure at the big-league level. In his six MLB games in 2024, he hit .231 with a .782 OPS in Triple-A, showcasing some power with 11 home runs. Narvaez’s defense is his standout attribute, and his ability to frame pitches and block effectively is markedly superior to Wong’s. This could provide him with a legitimate opportunity to see more playing time if Wong falters early in the season. The Red Sox will be eager to see how he performs in spring training and whether he can translate his defensive prowess to the majors.
Blake Sabol: The Left-Handed Option
Blake Sabol, a 27-year-old catcher with a bit more big-league experience, was added to the depth chart in January. The Red Sox traded for Sabol from the San Francisco Giants, again using international bonus pool space as part of the deal. Sabol has seen action in 110 MLB games during his rookie season in 2023 and 11 games in 2024, contributing 13 home runs and 10 doubles in 2023. While he isn’t expected to be a star behind the plate, his left-handed bat adds a valuable platoon option for the Red Sox. Additionally, Sabol’s defensive versatility is a plus; he has played both corner outfield spots in the majors, although not at a high level. His presence gives the Red Sox flexibility, and he will likely be in a spring training battle with Narvaez for the backup catcher role. The loser of this competition will head to Triple-A Worcester, alongside Seby Zavala, to continue developing.
Assessing the Backup Options
The backup catcher role is crucial, as it not only provides immediate relief when the starter is out but also serves as a developmental position for future talent. Both Narvaez and Sabol bring different strengths to the table. Narvaez’s defensive skills are a significant asset, particularly in a game where pitch framing and blocking can have a profound impact on the outcome. Sabol, on the other hand, offers a left-handed bat and some defensive versatility. The spring training battle will be intense, with the Red Sox carefully evaluating each player’s performance to make the best decision. Either choice will provide a competent backup, but the Red Sox will be hoping for a player who can step up when needed and contribute in more ways than one.
Future Considerations
The Red Sox’ catching situation for 2025 and beyond is far from settled. The club’s front office will be actively scouting and considering potential upgrades, especially if Wong’s defensive issues persist or if his offensive production falters. The loss of Kyle Teel, a highly touted prospect, leaves a gap in the organization’s farm system, and the Red Sox will need to identify and develop new catching talent to ensure long-term stability. In the interim, the focus will be on maximizing the potential of Wong, Narvaez, and Sabol. The organization’s flexibility in platooning players and the possibility of signing a veteran in free agency or making a mid-season trade could also play a role in shaping the catching corps.
Conclusion
As the Red Sox prepare for the 2025 season, the catching position stands out as a critical area that requires careful management. Connor Wong’s offensive prowess has earned him the starting role, but his defensive limitations will be under scrutiny. Carlos Narvaez and Blake Sabol provide solid backup options, each with unique strengths that could contribute to the team’s success. The spring training competition will be pivotal in determining who backs up Wong, but the Red Sox will remain vigilant, looking for opportunities to strengthen this position both in the short term and for the future. The club’s ability to balance offense and defense at the catcher spot will be a key factor in their overall performance in the upcoming season.
