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Former Red Sox World Series Champion Sends Message to Coaching Staff on Important Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:02 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have had more issues than just the first base position over the past few weeks. Defensively and offensively, the Red Sox could be better at the catcher position, and it isn't exactly an easy fix.

However, a former Red Sox World Series champion thinks Carlos Narvaez should be the full-time starting catcher, adding that he needs to play at least five times a week.

“He needs to play five days a week,” Will Middlebrooks said on “Sox Talk with Will Middlebrooks.” “Defensively, he is a better player. That shows in the metrics. He’s arguably one of the best defensive catchers based off the metrics in baseball — him and Williams Contreras. As far as defensive runs saved, blocking, framing, which is still important with now ABS system.”

Narvaez is probably the best with what the Red Sox have to work with, but that isn't necessarily saying much. He’s started to swing about a bit higher of a level over the past week, posting a .271 batting average, compared to .210 on May 1.

However, Narvaez, who played for the New York Yankees during the 2024 season, isn't an elite offensive player.

The issue, however, is that even if the Red Sox want to find a better catcher at the deadline, there aren't many options available. There isn't a surplus of good hitting catchers in Major League Baseball, and with the limited number there are, most of the time, teams don't want to get rid of them.

The Red Sox could find a way to make Narvaez a long-term option, but they'll have to hope it works out in the way that Middlebrooks thinks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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