While the Red Sox have spent much of the offseason zeroing in on bolstering their rotation and shoring up the corners of the infield, there’s another position that’s quietly become a focal point: catcher. Boston’s front office has been active in the market for backstops, and even after missing out on a couple of notable names, it doesn’t look like they’re done searching.
The Red Sox were reportedly in the mix for J.T. Realmuto before he re-upped with the Phillies on a three-year deal.
They were also very much involved in the Victor Caratini sweepstakes before he signed with the Twins. And according to a new report, Boston is still pushing to upgrade behind the plate, even after striking out on those two targets.
Now, that pursuit shouldn’t be read as a knock on Carlos Narvaez. The 25-year-old turned heads in 2025, finishing sixth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
He brought a steady bat - roughly league average - and paired it with top-tier defense, a rare and valuable combo at the catcher position. Narvaez looks like the guy for Boston moving forward, and any new addition would likely be coming in as a complement, not a replacement.
But here’s the thing: Narvaez carried a heavy load last season. He logged 952 innings behind the plate - ninth-most among all catchers in the league.
That’s a sizable workload, especially for a rookie. And while he held his own in the first half, his offense took a nosedive after the All-Star break, slashing just .187/.233/.387 down the stretch.
That kind of second-half fade raises a fair question: is he being overworked?
Cutting back on his innings could help Narvaez stay fresher and more productive throughout the season. But that’s easier said than done, especially given the current state of Boston’s catching depth.
Right now, Connor Wong is penciled in as the backup, and while he’s had some offensive flashes in the past, last year wasn’t one of them. He hit just .190/.262/.238 in 188 plate appearances and has long been considered a below-average defender.
That’s not the kind of support you want behind a young primary catcher.
The good news? Boston doesn’t need another Realmuto-level star to improve the situation.
But with Caratini and Danny Jansen now off the board, the free agent market is thinning quickly. Gary Sánchez and Jonah Heim are among the more intriguing names still available, though it’s unclear whether the Red Sox view either as a meaningful upgrade.
If not, the trade market might be their best path forward.
Boston has reportedly kicked the tires on a few trade options. They’ve shown interest in Dalton Rushing from the Dodgers and even explored a reunion with former prospect Kyle Teel. Neither discussion gained much traction, but those conversations could resurface as Spring Training approaches.
The Royals have been linked to outfielder Jarren Duran in trade talks, but they’re reportedly pessimistic about landing him - especially if it requires parting with top prospect Carter Jensen. Blake Mitchell is another name that’s come up, but he may be too far from the big leagues to make sense for Boston’s current timeline.
Elsewhere, the Yankees have floated J.C. Escarra in trade talks, though that might’ve changed now that Ben Rice is expected to handle first base full-time after splitting time between there, DH, and catcher.
The Phillies, having brought back Realmuto, could potentially make Rafael Marchan available. And with the Twins adding Caratini, Ryan Jeffers might be a name to watch if Minnesota decides to move from a surplus.
Of course, even if those players become available, the Red Sox could face stiff competition. Teams like the Rays and Astros - both with more urgent needs behind the plate - might be more aggressive in pursuing upgrades.
And while Wong struggled last year, it’s worth remembering he was an above-average hitter in 2024. A bounce-back isn’t out of the question.
If Boston doesn’t find the right fit in the trade or free agent markets, they could opt for a lower-risk move - perhaps a minor league deal for a veteran like Matt Thaiss or Luke Maile - and roll into the season with Wong backing up Narvaez.
Bottom line: the Red Sox aren’t standing pat behind the plate, and they shouldn’t. Narvaez showed real promise in 2025, but if Boston wants to get the most out of him - and out of their pitching staff - they need to give him a little more breathing room. Whether that comes via trade, free agency, or a depth signing remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the catching conversation in Boston is far from over.