Red Sox: An overview of catching options for 2022 and beyond
The Boston Red Sox catching situation could change soon
After two great offensive campaigns in 2019 (.276/.320/.477, 23 home runs, 76 RBI, 103 OPS+) and 2020 (.283/.344/.457, 7 home runs, 23 RBI, 113 OPS+), 2021 has been largely disappointing for Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vázquez.
Though Vázquez has caught the most games of anyone in Major League Baseball this year (101) and the most innings (820.2), he’s been unable to wake his bat up during a time when Boston needs it the most. In a second half where the Red Sox have floundered to a 15-19 record, Vázquez is hitting just .233 with 1 home run and 3 RBI. His overall struggles this year have lead to a disappointing .254/.304/.343 line, only 5 home runs, and a lowly 74 OPS+.
Vázquez’s drop in offensive production, as well as occasional questionable defensive efforts from the usually solid backstop, have lead some in Red Sox Nation wondering if he has a spot on the team next year.
With his $8 million team option hanging in the balance, the Red Sox have two good internal options to replace or supplement Vázquez with in 2022, and one option deeper in the system to keep tabs on down the road.
Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki
Kevin Plawecki joined the Red Sox before the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, and in the 71 games he’s played in Boston, he’s slashing .318/.378/.414, posting a 130 OPS+ in 2020 and a 103 OPS+ this year.
He’s played his way into a bigger role on this year’s squad, and Alex Cora has made no qualms about Plawecki cutting into Vázquez’s playing time, as reported by MassLive.
“On a team that, offensively, has struggled the last month or or month and 10 days, we need his at-bats. They’re quality at-bats. This is not a knock on Christian but it’s actually where we’re at. We need this at-bat. It has been pretty solid. Getting on base, hitting the ball hard, using the whole field.”
Plawecki is eligible for arbitration this coming offseason, and he’s actually a year younger than Vázquez. While his defensive profile behind the dish isn’t as good, his bat has proven to be a valuable commodity in Boston, and he’s shown himself to be more than capable in a platoon situation.
Plawecki is also appreciated for his demeanor and personality in the clubhouse, and along with some help from former Red Sox catcher and current coaching staff member Jason Varitek, was the mastermind behind the famed home run cart.
If the Red Sox were to decline Vázquez’s option for next year, Plawecki is the obvious and perfect candidate to take on the bulk of the reps at the plate in 2022.
Red Sox caching prospect Connor Wong
The 25-year-old Connor Wong was part of the return in the trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and after a lost minor league season in 2020, started 2021 at Triple-A Worcester.
His minor league numbers this year aren’t eye catching, with a slash line of .216/.258/.352, along with 3 home runs and 8 doubles, but Wong has performed well in his small cup of coffee in the big leagues this year, hitting .308/.357/.538 in 6 games.
Wong certainly isn’t ready to slide into an everyday role, but his athleticism and his familiarity with pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (Eovaldi enlisted Wong to catch bullpen sessions for him during COVID-19 related shutdowns and the offseason) could lead to him entering a platoon with Plawecki next season.
SoxProspects have Wong ranked No. 19 on their Top 60, and they see him as someone who could be helpful in the future.
Projects as a super-utility player, capable of catching and playing both second and third base. Has the potential to be an MLB regular depending on how his hit tool develops. Will have to make more contact as he moves up the ladder. Power tool is better than hit right now, and he needs considerable refinement at the plate. Athletic, unique player who could be a very valuable roster piece due to potential positional flexibility.
While the Red Sox aren’t hurting for a third basemen, it could be interesting if they find some time at second for Wong in the future. Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora love having positional versatility on their roster (see Kiké Hernández, Christian Arroyo, and the recently released Marwin Gonzalez) and having someone with Wong’s makeup could pay dividends for the team in the long haul.
Red Sox catching prospect Ronaldo Hernandez
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Hernandez won’t be in a position to replace Vazquez or enter a platoon at the big league level in 2022, but he deserves some mention. Acquired in the deal that sent Chris Mazza and Jeffrey Springs to the Tampa Bay Rays, the 23-year-old Hernandez has spent his first year in the Red Sox system at Double-A Portland, playing in 73 games, and hitting .253/.297/.456.
SoxProspects cites some power potential, and he does have 12 home runs and 17 doubles on the year.
Plus raw power. Can really impact the baseball, especially up in the zone. Power is mainly to the pull side; every home run in his career prior to being acquired by the Red Sox was to left or left-center. Ability to tap into raw power will depend on how his hit tool develops. Potential average in-game power.
SoxProspects also note that he isn’t athletic like Wong and could have some issues staying behind the plate as his career moves forward.
Does not move well behind the plate. Framing and receiving need a lot of work. Potential fringe-average glove.
Hernandez doesn’t walk often and he strikes out a fair bit as well — he’s walked only 9 times this year while racking up 73 strikeouts. He’s someone worth keeping an eye on in the farm system, but don’t expect him for at least a couple of seasons. If the concerns about him behind the plate aren’t alleviated, he could find life as a corner infield/DH option at some point.
Final thoughts on Red Sox catchers
The Red Sox definitely have some decisions to make regarding the catching situation for the future. Personally, I believe Boston will pick up Vázquez’s team option, with Plawecki still slotting into the backup role.
I also find it likely that Wong makes the roster next year in some way, shape or form, and he could help alleviate the Vázquez workload while Plawecki takes some reps at DH. I also wouldn’t discount the possibility of Vázquez being moved at some point if he continues to decline.
Vázquez has only caught 100-plus games twice in his career and I can’t imagine that being a common sight as he gets deeper into his 30’s. If he wants to keep his spot on this team, things need to turn around fast.
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