Three directions for Boston Red Sox at catcher

Sep 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Gary Sanchez (24) in action against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Gary Sanchez (24) in action against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports
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.