Red Sox: An overview of catching options for 2022 and beyond

BOSTON, MA - JULY 26: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 26, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 26: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 26, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Red Sox catcher Connor Wong
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 26: Connor Wong #74 of the Boston Red Sox smiles after his first Major League hit during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

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.

Schedule