The Boston Red Sox recently lost some organizational depth by refusing to call up an offensive-minded catcher who quickly became a fan favorite in spring training.
Many veterans around the league who sign minor league deals seek opt-out clauses early in the season to ensure they will be in a position to get called back up to the big leagues.
Boston signed a few of these deals, one of which was with catcher Jorge Alfaro. The 30-year-old impressed with his bat in Triple-A Worcester but was trapped behind Connor Wong and Reese McGuire. There were also many concerns about his abilities behind the plate.
After a couple of months with the WooSox, Alfaro accepted his June 1 opt-out and now has a new club.
Alfaro signed with the Colorado Rockies on Saturday and was placed in a familiar position -- Triple-A.
Alfaro hit .320 with 21 extra-base hits including six home runs, 30 RBIs and a .886 OPS in 43 games for the WooSox this season. His production warrents an opportunity in Major League Baseball but the Rockies were an odd choice.
The Rockies currently roster three catchers -- Elias Díaz, Brian Serven and Austin Wynns -- on the 26-man roster. Alfaro does not appear to be on the 40-man roster either, meaning he might have placed himself in an even less advantageous positon than he was in with the Red Sox.
Alfaro was not on Boston's 40-man roster but was seen as a fringe player and the third catcher in the organization. In Colorado, he's fourth at best.
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