At this point in the 2025 MLB regular season, most teams have made their September call-ups after rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players on the first day of the month. The Boston Red Sox called up veterans Zack Kelly and Ali Sanchez for the playoff push, as they get more depth in the bullpen and at catcher.
Speaking of the catcher position, former Boston backstop Jorge Alfaro has found a new opportunity with the season winding down.
This is a major league deal. Washington’s 40-man roster is full. They’ll have to move someone (DFA or transfer to 60-day IL) to clear space.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) September 2, 2025
Ex-Red Sox Catcher Jorge Alfaro Signs Minor League Deal with Nationals
Earlier this week, Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reported that Alfaro signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.
Red Sox fans likely don’t remember Alfaro’s time with the club, as he only played eight games with the big club in 2023 (2-for-17 with two walks and three strikeouts). He spent most of his time at Triple-A Worcester, hitting .320 with 13 doubles, six home runs, and 30 RBI. That said, the veteran catcher has kept himself employable, providing depth for teams at the minor league level.
The eight-year vet was most recently with the Milwaukee Brewers, playing for their Triple-A affiliate.
However, the 32-year-old Alfaro opted out of his deal on Monday, which allowed him to become a free agent and seek a new opportunity. In 82 games with Triple-A Nashville, he hit .244 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI.
For Alfaro, this is a perfect opportunity to get some at-bats at the major league level, as the Nationals are dealing with injuries at the catcher spot. Keibert Ruiz is dealing with a concussion, and Drew Millas suffered a fractured finger, which landed him on the 60-day injured list.
Alfaro took Millas' spot on the 40-man roster and replaced C.J. Stubbs on the 26-man roster, who was optioned back down to Triple-A.
The Nationals didn’t waste any time getting Alfaro into his first game with the ball club. Alfaro went 1-for-4 at the plate with a double and an RBI in Washington’s 10-5 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday.
Given that we only have a few weeks left in the regular season, Alfaro is not only auditioning for the Nationals but also for other teams around the majors. If the ex-Red Sox catcher can have a solid month at the plate, it could open up some additional opportunities for him this offseason.