The Boston Red Sox are now being linked to free agent catcher JT Realmuto in a surprising twist, as noted by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Per Rosenthal:

Acquiring another catcher is not among the Sox’s top priorities, or so it has seemed. But the Red Sox are showing interest in J.T. Realmuto, according to people briefed on their discussions.

Boston has been connected to starting pitching, a middle-of-the-order bat, and infielders, so Realmuto's inclusion in their offseason plans is a curveball.

Let's examine the factors:

The Realmuto file

Now 34 years old, he'll turn 35 just before Opening Day. One of the most productive catchers in baseball over the last decade, he's a three-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger and a two-time Gold Glover. A 12-year veteran of the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies, he's a .270 career hitter with 180 home runs. He has 11 consecutive seasons of double-digit homers and four of 20 or more.

He's had an OPS+ of greater than 100 in every full season of his career except two, including 2025 (91).

Why this could make sense

Well, Realmuto is a good player and the Red Sox need more good players if they want to track down the American League East title and make louder noise in the playoffs.

Furthermore, Realmuto is a positive influence on a clubhouse and a pitching staff, and he'd be a positive influence on whatever other catcher is on the roster with him.

Finally, the cost shouldn't be exorbitant, as projections have him somewhere in the $45-60 million stage. That's a lot, but shouldn't be a lot for the Red Sox, especially after they were able to shed the Rafael Devers salary in a June trade.

Why it doesn't make sense

Well, the Red Sox already have a catcher who impressed. Carlos Narvaez, about to turn 27, hit .241 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs, posting an OPS+ of 100. Under contract (affordably) through 2030, he should only continue to get better, and will be a fraction of the cost of Realmuto.

Because Narvaez would appear to be solid, the Red Sox have seemingly bigger needs. They need that other starter to pair with Garrett Crochet and they need to figure out their third base situation as they work to bring back Alex Bregman.

Up next

While not a guarantee, baseball figures to slow down its offseason for the Thanksgiving holiday, but things should ramp back up in anticipation of the winter meetings (Dec. 7-10).

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