Red Sox: Predicting the 2018 Opening Day 25-man roster

2 of 6

BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 14: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a home run against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on September 14, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Catchers

Christian Vazquez, Sandy Leon, Blake Swihart

Vazquez should get the majority of the playing time behind the plate on the heels of a breakout season. He looks ready to emerge as one of the best all-around backstops in baseball now that his bat has started to catch up with his glove. His share of the workload should increase from the 60/40 split the Red Sox used for the majority of last season at the position.

Leon can add value as a defensive-minded backup. Vazquez is a terrific defensive catcher in his own right but he’ll need a day or two off each week to keep him fresh. Leon can be trusted to manage this pitching staff when called upon.

It’s rare for a team to carry three catchers but Swihart’s versatility makes it feasible. He’ll be more of a utility player who happens to be capable of backing up the catcher position. Manager Alex Cora should feel more comfortable pinch-hitting for Leon late in games knowing he has Swihart as an insurance policy. If anything happened to Vazquez after Leon was taken out, Boston wouldn’t be left stranded without a catcher. Swihart’s ability to cover other positions means he won’t be wasting a roster spot as a seldom-used third catcher.

Home/Red Sox News