Three directions for Boston Red Sox at catcher

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The Boston Red Sox did not need to be in a difficult spot at the catcher position.

They had the answer on the phone. Christian Vazquez had called the front office to see if they were interested in bringing him back. While he had an offer from the Twins, Vazquez wanted to return to Boston. Instead, the Red Sox were not interested, with their long time backstop heading elsewhere.

Boston Red Sox need a plan at catcher

Where does this leave the Red Sox? Right now, they have two catchers on their 40 man roster in Reese McGuire and Connor Wong. Those two have a combined 241 major league appearances behind the plate thus far in their careers. This is not what the Red Sox, who are hoping to contend for a postseason berth, would expect.

The market is quickly drying up at the catcher spot, leaving the Boston Red Sox without an answer. Here are three paths they could follow.

Sign Gary Sanchez on a one year deal

If the Boston Red Sox were planning on finding a catcher in free agency, those hopes are just about dashed.

The top options are gone, even if one of those reached out to the Red Sox. Most of the secondary and tertiary options are off the board as well. Even potentially intriguing options such as Willians Astudillo are elsewhere, with La Tortuga heading to Japan. There just is not much left out there.

However, there is one catcher that could be considered a viable starting option. Gary Sanchez may not have lived up to expectations, but he has been a solid enough bat in the lineup. Even a down year in 2022, where he posted a .205/.282/.377 batting line with 16 homers and 24 doubles in his 471 plate appearances, would be an improvement over what the Red Sox currently have on the roster.

Sanchez could also be relatively inexpensive, something that could make a difference for a Red Sox team with plenty of holes to fill. He may be looking at a one year make good deal to show that he can still be a powerful threat in the lineup before testing free agency once more. Although the free agent class at catcher for the 2023-24 offseason is not impressive, Sanchez could be a useful stopgap to allow a reset at the position next year.

The Boston Red Sox need to find a viable major league option behind the plate. Gary Sanchez may be their best hope in terms of free agency.

Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports /

Trying to find a trade partner

Sean Murphy may have been the biggest prize in the trade market for catchers, but the Boston Red Sox could have other options.

The least likely of those options hails from the same division. The Blue Jays have a trio of catchers and not enough room on the major league roster for all of them. While it is likely that one of that group is traded during the offseason, there is no reason for the Blue Jays to send one of their catchers to Boston.

There are still other options. Although the Braves have not given any indication that they are willing to trade Travis d’Arnaud, their acquisition of Murphy makes d’Arnaud a very expensive backup. A first time All Star in 2022, d’Arnaud produced a .268/.319/.472 batting line with 18 homers and 25 doubles in his 426 plate appearances. He would be expensive in terms of prospects, but d’Arnaud would be the type of upgrade the Red Sox need in the lineup.

Another possible option went back to Oakland in that deal. Manny Pina had been generating trade interest prior to the Murphy trade and could easily be on the block once again. Despite appearing in just five games in 2022 due to injury, he could intrigue as a low cost option with decent power and excellent defense.

There are few likely options on the trade block. However, unless the Red Sox want to pony up for Gary Sanchez in free agency, this is their best option.

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Stay the course

Let’s face it – the Boston Red Sox are not likely to be contending in 2023.

The starting rotation is littered with injury risks and question marks. Kenley Jansen improved the bullpen and solidified the ninth inning, but that patches just one hole in a leaking bullpen. Questions persist at first, second, left, and center. Considering how other teams in the division performed in 2022, and the upgrades those teams made, it is difficult to see where the Red Sox have gotten any closer.

So why not see what they have? Reese McGuire was a relatively well regarded prospect, being selected with the 14th overall selection in the 2013 MLB Draft. He did perform well for the Red Sox after being acquired for Jake Deikman, albeit in a brief window. Wong intrigues due to his ability to play around the infield as well, but he does have a solid minor league track record with some pop in his bat.

It would not be a surprise to see the Red Sox add another catcher on a minor league deal even if they stick with that duo to start the season. Considering how unproven both players are, bringing in someone with major league experience makes sense. However, that may be a minor move just to add depth.

The Boston Red Sox may as well see what they have at this point. That could mean a rough season behind the plate.

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