This offseason, the Boston Red Sox sent top catching prospect Kyle Teel to the Chicago White Sox in the Garrett Crochet deal, which opened up a spot for a backup catcher on the MLB roster.
Over the last few months, Boston has added a few guys to compete for the spot, including former New York Yankees catcher Carlos Narvaez, who they acquired in a trade.
In Spring Training, the 26-year-old will have to beat out Blake Sabol, another catcher the Red Sox traded for recently, if he wants to make the Opening Day roster. That’s a challenge he’s taking head-on, but he’s really just focused on improving.
“It’s a big opportunity. I’m super pumped for it,” Narvaez said (via. MassLive). “At the same time, I’m ready to work. I’m ready to work with the pitchers, with Wong, with all the coaching staff. The pitching staff, I’ll be there for them. Of course, I’ll hopefully get the chance to be on the Opening Day roster. But at the same time, I’m focused on working right now. Working every day, get ready to go to spring training and know everybody and be there for them.”
Now in Boston, Narvaez will have an opportunity to work with former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is now serving as the team’s game-planning and run-prevention coach.
“I loved Jason Varitek; how he took (a) leadership (role), too,” Narvaez said at the Red Sox Rookie Development Program earlier this month. “And just to have been able to meet him two days ago, that was special.”
Narvaez isn’t exactly known for his offensive ability (hitting .254 with a .782 OPS, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs and nine stolen bases for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2024), but he’s been applauded for his defensive ability. With Wong’s issues behind the plate, that could lead to more playing time for the former Yankee in 2025.
MORE RED SOX NEWS
Veteran reliever leaves Red Sox for NL Central club in free agency
Red Sox sign former Athletics infielder
Fenway Sports Group contemplating sale of Pittsburgh Penguins
Former Red Sox prospect found out he was traded in hilarious way
