Red Sox Would Be Wise to Target Silver Slugger Catcher Amid World Series Run

The Boston Red Sox are going to have to make some notable roster changes in order to climb back into contention after a last-place finish in the loaded American League East. While the emphasis certainly remains on the pitching staff, Boston will look at how to get more out of just about every position on the diamond, including behind the plate.

Catchers Connor Wong and Reese McGuire were far from the issue last season, largely due to the former’s emergence both offensively and with his incredible ability to nab baserunners all season long.

Wong certainly should be in the fold next season but McGuire’s spot is a little less certain.

McGuire hit .267 with 14 extra-base hits including one home run, 16 RBIs and a .668 OPS (80 OPS+) in 72 games this season. For a backup catcher that production is more than sufficient. However, the team could really make the position a strength by adding a former Silver Slugger currently in pursuit of a World Series Championship.

Texas Ranger catcher Mitch Garver is set to hit free agency in a few weeks and would be a great player to pair with Wong next season.

The 32-year-old hit .270 with 30 extra-base hits including 19 home runs, 50 RBIs and a .870 OPS (134 OPS+) in 87 games during the regular season.

Despite playing part-time behind All-Star catcher Jonah Heim, Garver has racked up 2.1 bWAR. For perspective, McGuire posted a -0.2 bWAR. Garver has paired that production with a strong postseason. He’s hitting .294 (10-for-34) with four extra-base hits including two home runs, 11 RBIs and a .898 OPS in nine games.

People have speculated that the Red Sox could non-tender McGuire this offseason to free up somewhere in the range of $1.5 to $2 million. If they do not plan to upgrade heavily at the position, that does not make much sense.

McGuire is about as good of a low-budget platoon option out there. However, Boston could create a dynamic pairing by placing Wong with Garver together.

Manager Alex Cora would lose his perfect platoon — both are right-handed hitters — but would have a much more impactful duo behind the plate.