Before the 2024 Carlos Narváez trade, many Boston Red Sox fans wondered when the team would upgrade its catching tandem. Even after the rookie's breakout, they might be looking for another backstop.
Boston has shown interest in longtime Philadelphia Phillies catcher, J.T. Realmuto, according to Jen McCaffrey and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required). The veteran has been one of the most well-rounded catchers in baseball since he first arrived in Philly in 2019, and he would be an upgrade on both sides of the ball for the Red Sox.
McCaffrey notes that signing a catcher is not high on the Red Sox's list of offseason priorities, as evidenced by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's endorsement of Connor Wong before the arbitration deadline. The Red Sox feel he made progress on offense and defense between 2024-25, and external factors such as injuries could've adversely affected his performance. Breslow has fuzzed the offseason radar before, though, like when he said he was certain Rafael Devers would be Boston's starting third baseman in 2025.
If the Red Sox are serious about acquiring a catcher, Realmuto would be a solid fit. He doesn't bring the home run power Boston needs after its ugly drought in the second half of last season, but he's experienced after 12 years in the big leagues and he's consistent at the plate.
The Sox would have to trade Wong, who would be capable backup catcher anywhere in the big leagues, to fit Realmuto into their plans. Wong slashed .190/.262/.238 with just eight extra base hits in 63 appearances in 2025, but he's just one year removed from a breakout season when he batted .280/.333/.425 over 126 games.
Red Sox interested in veteran free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto, would force trade of Connor Wong
Realmuto is a career .270/.328/.447 hitter with a .774 OPS over 1373 games. In 2025, he slashed .257/.315/.384 with a .700 OPS, 26 doubles and 12 homers in 134 games.
The veteran may be showing some signs of age behind the plate, but he still excels in a few defensive categories. Realmuto won his second Gold Glove Award in 2022 (when he also placed seventh in National League MVP voting) after he clocked 14 outs above average, 14 steals above average, the quickest pop time in MLB and an above league average framing success rate. Three seasons later, he's had less success with blocking and framing with -4 blocks above average and a fourth-percentile framing rate. He remains elite at catching runners, with six runners caugt above average and a 99th-percentile pop time.
If the Red Sox are seriously looking for an upgrade at catcher, Realmuto would be the best available answer. But Boston has higher priorities, like signing a slugger with home run power and acquiring a No. 2 starter. If the Red Sox's offensive plans fall through — which they shouldn't because they have more than enough money to sign two bats — Realmuto would be a great backup with years of playoff experience. McCaffrey and Rosenthal believe he'll return to the Phillies, though, so the Sox shouldn't bank on him being available.