Boston Red Sox finally address catcher position
The Boston Red Sox have numerous holes throughout their roster. They may have filled one of those on Monday.
According to Chris Cotillo from MassLive.com, the Red Sox signed Jorge Alfaro to a minor league deal. He will reportedly earn $2 million if he makes the Opening Day roster and has the ability to opt out of his contract on both June 1 and July 1 if he is in the minors.
Jorge Alfaro adds needed depth for Boston Red Sox
The catcher position has been an area of need all offseason. Reese McGuire and Conner Wong had been the only two catchers on the 40 man roster, neither of which have anything resembling a long term track record as a starter in the majors.
Alfaro had previously been a well regarded prospect, someone whose powerful bat and strong arm made him appear destined for stardom. A consensus top 100 prospect in 2014 and 2015, Baseball Prospectus had him on their top 101 prospect list for seven consecutive years from 2012 through 2018. His potential made him one of the key pieces in the deal that sent J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia, headlining the package with Sixto Sanchez.
He has yet to truly live up to that billing. Alfaro has produced a .256/.305/.396 batting line with 47 homers and 67 doubles in his 1658 plate appearances over seven seasons in the majors. He has thrown out 28% of would-be base stealers, but has also led the league in passed balls in three of the past five seasons while costing his teams 17 runs behind the plate. His seven passed balls led the National League last season despite his making 65 appearances behind the plate last year.
It is possible that he can find that form that made him a top prospect while in Boston. He does not have much competition for playing time and he could use the Green Monster to his advantage. And, despite those years in the majors, he will be turning 30 years old next year – there could be another level to his production.
Next. Andrus best option for desperate Red Sox. dark
The Boston Red Sox have signed Jorge Alfaro to a minor league contract. He could end up being their starting catcher by Opening Day.