Not seen as a solution to the issue the Boston Red Sox have at catcher, the team traded Blake Sabol to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Sabol was previously outrighted from the Red Sox's 40-man roster earlier this season, so there was no need for any further roster construction following the trade.
As the Red Sox look for potential solutions to their Connor Wong problem, Sabol was not going to be the answer. In an earlier stint this season with the Red Sox, Sabol slashed .125/.167/.188 in 18 plate appearances. In fact, Sabol's -12 wRC+ on the season makes Wong look like an All-Star.
The timing of the Red Sox getting more cash is interesting, considering the trade deadline is a few weeks away. The Red Sox already cleared over $250MM in future commitments by trading Rafael Devers last month to the San Francisco Giants, and now have even more cash on their hands thanks to the White Sox.
Of course, the Red Sox's adding cash comes during a time when the team is believed to be trying to extend Alex Bregman. Repped by Scott Boras, the belief is that Bregman will chase every dollar available to him. If the Red Sox aren't able to extend Bregman before the trade deadline, there's growing speculation that the third baseman could be moved. Extra cash will certainly help the Red Sox's cause.
Red Sox make deadline splash by flipping forgotten catcher for cold hard cash
Back to the Red Sox's catching situation, the team is very much in need of an answer for the struggles Wong has had this season. After a breakout season in 2024, Wong's offense in 2025 has been atrocious, leading to Carlos Narváez unseating him as the team's starter. Entering play on Sunday, Wong is carrying a 6 wRC+.
If the Red Sox are buyers and in the market for a backup catcher, they may be keeping tabs on a former friend, Reese McGuire. Now, with the Chicago Cubs, as Miguel Amaya works his way back from injury, McGuire has 5 home runs with a 98 wRC+ in 66 plate appearances. Once Amaya does return, the Cubs are unlikely to carry three catchers on their roster, with Carson Kelly also getting All-Star consideration for them this season.