URGENT: Boston Red Sox Catching Depth CRUMBLES with Wong's Defensive Liabilities and Narvaez's INCONSISTENT Performance | Time for Veteran Help?

Boston Red Sox face critical decisions at catcher heading into 2026. Can rookie Carlos Narvaez develop into a reliable starter, or will Connor Wong's catastrophic offensive collapse force the front office to explore free agency? Gabby (Hurlbut) Maljanian breaks down both catchers' 2025 performances with detailed statistical analysis. Narvaez showed defensive promise with elite framing and blocking metrics but struggled with plate discipline after a hot start. Wong's batting average plummeted from .280 to .190, yet he remains invaluable to pitchers like Brayan Bello and Aroldis Chapman. The discussion examines whether these automatic outs in the lineup prevent Boston from legitimate World Series contention. Key topics include Narvaez's development trajectory compared to top prospect Roman Anthony, Wong's intangible value as a "pitcher whisperer," and potential free agent targets like Christian Vazquez, JT Realmuto, and Victor Caratini. Maljanian evaluates whether upgrading the backup catcher position should be a priority this offseason. Discover whether the Red Sox catching situation requires immediate attention or if patience with internal development is the smarter path forward. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup . PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here : https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.