The final piece of the Mookie Betts trade continues to struggle in 2025.
Connor Wong, who lost his starting job to surprise Rookie of the Year candidate Carlos Narváez, recorded his first RBI of the season on June 23. Wong is slashing .157/.259/.157 through 29 appearances. He has drawn nine walks but has yet to record an extra-base hit.
His struggles extend beyond the batter’s box. Statcast ranks Wong 23rd in both Catcher Framed Runs and Strike Rate, metrics that highlight his diminishing value behind the plate. Once considered a high-upside defensive catcher, Wong now appears to have lost even that edge.
No Help Behind the Plate
The Boston Red Sox have been in a bind when Narváez needs a day off. Turning to Wong has become a liability, both offensively and defensively. He currently holds a -0.1 WAR, according to FanGraphs — suggesting he’s more of a roster burden than a bench asset.
Unfortunately for Boston, their catching options are thin.
Blake Sabol was briefly called up while Wong was on the injured list with a fractured hand from April 8 to May 2, but he struggled in limited action. In eight games, Sabol slashed .125/.167/.188 with one RBI and one double, offering little reassurance at the position.
Other Options
After Wong’s injury, the Red Sox signed veteran Yasmani Grandal, but he has since retired.
One catching option remains in Triple-A Worcester: Seby Zavala. However, Zavala has struggled mightily as well, slashing just .163/.209/.300.
As it stands, Connor Wong remains the best available option to back up Narváez — though that’s more a reflection of organizational depth than performance.
Is Another Move Looming?
That doesn’t necessarily mean Boston won’t make a move. The front office has explored trade options, including an attempt to acquire Braves catcher Sean Murphy during discussions centered on Rafael Devers — a deal that ultimately fell through.
Still, it’s clear the Red Sox are actively seeking catching depth to lighten the load on their rookie backstop.
Connor Wong’s days in Boston may soon be numbered. And frankly, that may not be a bad thing — for either side.