The Red Sox initially named Carlos Narvaez as their No. 1 catcher, but after three weeks into the season, the position is uncertain as Connor Wong has been sharing time. Alex Cora has avoided confirming Narvaez's status as the starter.
BOSTON — At the start of the season, the identity of the Red Sox’ No. 1 catcher wasn’t even an issue.
It was quite obviously Carlos Narvaez, who received some down-ballot votes in balloting for AL Rookie of the Year last November. Narvaez enjoyed a breakout season with 15 homers and 50 RBI while compiling a .726 OPS and leading all American League catchers in defensive runs saved.
But just three weeks into the season, the answer isn’t nearly as clear cut. Connor Wong, who lost the starting job early last season after suffering a broken bone in his hand, has been sharing time with Narvaez. After an off-day Thursday, it’s telling that Wong was in the starting lineup for the first two games of the series with the Detroit Tigers.
Moreover, when Alex Cora was asked whether Narvaez was still viewed as the No. 1 catcher, he neatly avoided directly responding to the query.
“He’s a catcher for the team, both of them,” said Cora. “We’re playing four games (this series), with different times, so you have to take care of everybody...This is the toughest weekend for the team, as far as the times and the rest and you have to be very smart when to use them and how to use them.”
But that explanation ignores the obvious struggles of Narvaez, who does not yet have an RBI or, for that matter, an extra-base hit in 41 at-bats. He’s also struck out in 32.6 percent of his at-bats.
Meanwhile, Wong has been among the team’s most productive hitters in the early going, having reached safely in all seven of his starts this year. Wong entered Saturday with a slash line of .381/.435/.571.
“He’s healthy,” said Cora of Wong. “Last year, he was hitting the ball hard early on when (he injured his hand), he was out for a while, only had two rehab games and never found his rhythm. He obviously had the surgery (in the offseason) and now he looks free.with his swing. It’s similar to ‘24 — hitting the ball hard, being more aggressive in the strike zone. He’s catching well, he’s playing well."
The starting catcher position is currently unclear, with Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong sharing time.
Carlos Narvaez had 15 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .726 OPS last season.
Connor Wong is sharing time due to his previous injury and performance issues early in the season.
Alex Cora avoided directly answering whether Carlos Narvaez is still viewed as the No. 1 catcher.
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Recently, Cora praised Narvaez as one of the best defensive catchers in the league, citing the fact that he last year threw out more base-stealers than any other catchers while also noting his excellent framing skills.
Wong is not rated the same way defensively, though he’s made strides to his game behind the plate. That, coupled with his hot start with the bat and the well-documented struggles of Narvaez have led the Red Sox into an early-season job share that few would have anticipated only weeks ago.
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