Red Sox Must Reevaluate Catching Situation After Recent Departures
Introduction
The Boston Red Sox are facing a major void behind the plate following the departure of their two starting catchers, Christian Vázquez and Kevin Plawecki, during the offseason. The team’s current catching depth chart is thin, leaving them with several options to consider heading into the 2023 season.
Current Catching Depth Chart
After the departures of Vázquez and Plawecki, the Red Sox’s catching depth chart currently consists of the following players:
- Connor Wong
- Ronaldo Hernández
- Reese McGuire
- Jorge Alfaro (recently acquired)
Of these players, only Wong and Hernández have any significant Major League experience, with Wong starting 58 games behind the plate in 2022 and Hernández making 42 starts in 2021.
Options for Reinforcing Catching Depth
The Red Sox have several options to address their catching depth situation, including:
- Signing a free agent: There are still several experienced catchers available on the free agent market, including Tucker Barnhart, Austin Romine, and Stephen Vogt. However, these players may come at a higher price than the Red Sox are willing to spend.
- Trading for a catcher: The Red Sox could also explore trading for a catcher, although the options available may be limited and the cost could be high.
- Giving more playing time to Connor Wong: Wong is the most experienced catcher on the Red Sox roster and is coming off a solid season in which he hit .254/.346/.424 with 7 home runs in 188 plate appearances. He could be a viable option as the team’s primary catcher.
- Developing a young catcher: The Red Sox have several promising young catchers in their minor league system, including Kole Cottam and David Hamilton. However, they are not yet ready for full-time roles in the Major Leagues.
Different Perspectives on the Issue
There are different perspectives on how the Red Sox should approach their catching situation.
Some believe that the team should sign a free agent catcher or trade for a more experienced player. They argue that the team needs a reliable veteran presence behind the plate to help guide the young pitching staff.
Others believe that the Red Sox should give more playing time to Connor Wong. They argue that Wong is a talented young player who is ready to take on a larger role. They also believe that Wong’s development could be hindered if he is not given regular playing time.
Ultimately, the decision of how to address the catching situation is up to the Red Sox front office and coaching staff. They will need to weigh the different options carefully and make a decision that they believe is in the best interests of the team.
Conclusion
The Red Sox are facing a challenging situation with their catching depth following the departures of Christian Vázquez and Kevin Plawecki. The team has several options to address the issue, but there is no easy solution.
Ultimately, the Red Sox will need to make a decision that they believe is in the best interests of the team. They will need to weigh the different options carefully and consider the long-term implications of their decision.
The Red Sox’s catching situation is a reminder of the importance of depth in baseball. A team can never have too much depth, and the Red Sox will need to continue to develop their young players in order to ensure that they are prepared for any eventuality.
