The Boston Red Sox have been busy fine-tuning their catcher lineup this offseason. After seeing the impact of a strong defensive catcher last year, they set their sights on bolstering this position.
While they had their eyes on J.T. Realmuto, who eventually stayed with the Phillies, they made a noteworthy addition with Matt Thaiss.
Thaiss, signed to a minor league deal in January, has been making waves in spring training. Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Thaiss, highlighting his impressive swing and ability to manage the pitching staff. "Matty Thaiss is impressing people here," Cora noted, pointing out Thaiss's left-handed swing and his knack for catching the coaching staff's attention.
In the Grapefruit League, Thaiss has posted a .222/.364/.222 line, showing patience at the plate with three walks and an RBI in six games. In contrast, Connor Wong has struggled, hitting just .100/.143/.100 with eight strikeouts over eight games.
One factor that might influence Boston's decision is Thaiss's contract, which includes an upward mobility clause. This clause means if the Red Sox don't place him on the Opening Day roster, they must offer him to other teams. Should any team show interest, Boston would need to either add him to their roster or trade him.
The Red Sox are already dealing with a crowded roster, especially in the outfield and designated hitter spots, making it tricky to carry three catchers. Fortunately for Boston, Wong still has a minor league option, allowing them to potentially start him in Triple-A.
With Narváez now a key part of the catching crew, Wong's role has shifted to backup. Sending him to the minors might not be ideal, but it’s a strategic move.
Last season, Wong hit .190/.262/.238, and any offensive boost would be beneficial, especially when Narváez takes a day off. This situation presents a chance for the Red Sox to enhance their lineup and make strategic decisions that could pay off during the season.