The Boston Red Sox have been busy reshaping their pitching staff this offseason, but that’s not the only area they’ve been looking to bolster. Behind the scenes, the front office has also been eyeing upgrades at catcher - a position that quietly became a concern during the 2025 season.
According to recent reports, Boston explored the possibility of signing veteran backstops like J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini before both ultimately landed elsewhere. That pursuit signals something important: the Red Sox aren't entirely sold on their current catching tandem, and they’ve been actively looking for reinforcements.
The Sox have reportedly been in contact with the Los Angeles Dodgers about a potential trade for Dalton Rushing, a former top prospect who made his big-league debut in 2025. While it’s unclear how far those talks have gone - or if they’re ongoing - it’s evident that Boston is keeping its options open.
Right now, Carlos Narváez is penciled in as the team’s primary catcher heading into spring training. Connor Wong, who came over in the Mookie Betts trade, is in the mix as well, but his grip on the backup role appears shaky.
Wong showed promise in 2024 with a breakout year at the plate, but a fractured hand early last season derailed his momentum. That injury opened the door for Narváez to step up, and he hasn’t looked back.
Still, Boston wants more stability behind the dish - and that’s where Rushing enters the picture.
Rushing, who turns 25 soon, didn’t exactly light it up in his first taste of the majors last season. Over 53 games, he slashed .204/.258/.324 with a .582 OPS, striking out 58 times while drawing just 10 walks.
Not ideal. But the potential is there.
In Triple-A, he put together a much more encouraging line - .314/.436/.517 over 35 games - showing the advanced approach and power that made him the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2024.
Offensively, there’s upside, no question. But defensively, Rushing’s debut left something to be desired.
He struggled with blocking pitches (-4 blocks above average) and graded poorly in pitch framing (24th percentile). For a team that’s already dealt with defensive inconsistencies at catcher - Wong included - that’s a red flag Boston can’t ignore.
This isn’t the first time the Red Sox and Dodgers have talked trade, of course. And recent history hasn’t been kind to Boston in those deals.
The Mookie Betts trade is still a sore spot, with Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Wong failing to live up to expectations. More recently, the Sox sent two top outfield prospects - including James Tibbs III, a key return in the Rafael Devers deal - to L.A. for Dustin May, a pitcher the Dodgers had designated for assignment.
That one stung.
So yes, there’s some understandable hesitation when it comes to dealing with the Dodgers again. If Boston is going to take a swing on Rushing, it needs to be absolutely sure he can contribute at the big-league level - and sooner rather than later.
That said, there’s still some internal belief in Wong. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow recently expressed confidence that Wong can bounce back and regain his 2024 form.
If that happens, Boston may not need to make a move at all. But if the front office decides it can't rely on a rebound, Rushing - despite the risks - could represent a high-upside play.
The Red Sox have made it clear they’re not standing pat. They’re looking for answers behind the plate, and while nothing’s imminent, the wheels are definitely turning. Whether it’s Rushing or another name, Boston’s catching situation is one to watch as spring training approaches.