For a team in constant flux with an overinflated roster and trade rumors, at least something is surprisingly steady for the Boston Red Sox heading into 2026.
Carlos Narvaez's presence behind the plate.
Narvaez, acquired by trade from the New York Yankees before the 2025 season, emerged as Boston's everyday backstop and quickly became one of the club's most appreciated young contributors.
Over 118 games in 2025, he hit 15 home runs while anchoring a demanding defensive position, earning praise for his pitch framing and ability to throw out runners, gunning down a baseball-leading 32 baserunners.
That's right. Out of all the premier catchers in this league, Narvaez beat them all out, caught-stealing-wise. He did that while battling a knee injury, and was supposed to get surgery on it last July.
The combination of solid offense and elite defense endeared him to the Sox brass and teammates alike. Not only that, but he became the de facto fan favorite. Despite all that, it's his public commitment to Boston that might resonate most.
On Sunday, he openly expressed his desire to spend his entire career with the Red Sox, even suggesting he wants to retire in Boston if given the chance.
"I would love to be a Red Sox forever," he said, via Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, making his long-term intentions clear even before any extension talks had begun.
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That kind of loyalty stands in stark contrast to a sport where players often chase the biggest offer on the open market. Narvy is under club control through at least 2028, meaning the Red Sox have several seasons to build around him and others, possibly beginning extension discussions once the team's competitive window becomes clearer down the road.
After getting that said knee surgery this offseason, the organization expects him back as their No. 1 catcher this year and beyond.
Offensively, Narvaez showed glimpses of RBI power and advanced on-base skills early in his Red Sox tenure, and his defensive value remains among the best of baseball's backstops. If he can stay healthy and regain his first-half offensive rhythm, Narvaez provides Boston with another young and controllable presence at one of the more demanding positions in the game.
Whether it's a long-term extension down the road or simply a multi-year tenure that helps him become even more of a Fenway favorite, Carlos Narvaez's desire to stay in Boston feels very genuine, and the Red Sox should be wise to not only embrace it but do something about it.