Red Sox “remain active” in efforts to upgrade the Catching Tandem

While much of the focus for the Red Sox this offseason has been on their efforts to improve the rotation and fill out their corner infield mix, the team has also been tied to a number of catchers in recent months. They were reportedly involved in the market for JT Realmuto over the winter before returning to Philadelphia on a three-year deal, and the team was also linked Victor Caratini shortly before signing with the Twins on Friday. Those efforts to improve behind the plate don’t seem to be going away, as Sean McAdam of MassLive reported today that the team “to stay[s] active” in their attempts to upgrade behind the plate following the signing of Caratini, who he insists they were “very involved” on the market.

These efforts should not be interpreted as a setback Carlos Narvaezwho was coming off an impressive 2025 season that earned him a sixth-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting thanks to a combination of average offense at the plate and elite defense behind it. It seems likely that Narvaez would remain the primary catcher in Boston even if they find a new backstop to bring into the mix. That said, there are certainly signs that Narvaez could use more support if the Red Sox want to maximize his effectiveness. Narvaez caught 952 innings last year, ninth-most among catchers in 2025. Although that’s not as many as most-used regulars like Realmuto and William ContrerasNarvaez still caught nearly 200 more innings than his fellow rookie backstop Drake Baldwin.

That’s not terribly meaningful on its own, but considering Narvaez slumped poorly at the plate in the second half with a .187/.233/.387 slash line after the All-Star break, it’s fair to wonder whether a lighter defensive workload could allow Narvaez to maintain his offensive numbers deeper into the season without a similar decline in 2026. Getting Narvaez on his feet more often could be easier said than done, though, thanks to the shakiness of Boston’s passing situation behind him. Connor Wong is currently set to serve as the club’s primary backup. However, he has always been a lackluster defender behind the plate, dropping just .190/.262/.238 in 188 trips to the plate last year.

It wouldn’t take someone like Caratini or Realmuto to upgrade that meager output. That said, the free agency catching market is exceptional now that those two (and old friend Danny Jansen) have signed. Gary Sanchez And Jonah Heim are among the best catchers currently available in free agency, and one wonders if the Red Sox view either as a substantial upgrade. Perhaps a turn to the trade market is in store, as McAdam notes the Red Sox have discussed both before Dalton hurry with the Dodgers and former Red Sox prospect Kyle Teel with the RedSox. Neither conversation seemed to gain much traction, but it’s entirely possible the team could continue to look to the trade market for help in the final weeks leading up to Spring Training.

The Royals are often linked to it Jarren Duran in trade talks, but the team seems pessimistic about their chances of landing him and would certainly hesitate to involve top prospects Carter Jensen in a package for his services, while prospect Blake Mitchell may be too far from the majors for Boston’s tastes. The Yankees previously seemed open to shopping JC Escarraalthough they may be more reluctant to do so now Ben Rice appears ready to take over first base full-time after bouncing between first base, DH and catcher last year. Maybe the Phillies would be willing to part with it Rafael Marchan now that Realmuto is back in the ranks, otherwise the Twins’ signing of Caratini could pave a way Ryan Jeffers be treated.

However, even if some of these names are available, the Red Sox could also be outbid in the market for getting help from teams like the Rays and Astros, who appear to have a greater need behind the plate. As lackluster as Wong’s production was last year, he wasn’t an above-average hitter until 2024 and it’s certainly not impossible to imagine him bouncing back. If the Red Sox don’t find the right deal, they can always add another depth piece, such as Matt Thaiss or Lucas Maile in free agency on a minor league deal and plan for Wong to open the season as Narvaez’s backup.