The Boston Red Sox broke out of their slump to take two of three games from the New York Yankees over the weekend. The wins were much needed for a team that put Alex Cora into a crisis earlier in the week and helped Boston close the gap to 8.5 games in the American League East.
Doing it against a rival is that much sweeter, and even the Yankees have to appreciate their adversaries’ performance. One player in particular drew the admiration of a New York star and caused him to tip his cap as the two rivals parted ways until this weekend’s rematch at Fenway Park.
Yankees Star Aaron Judge Acknowledges Carlos Narváez’s Breakout Season With Red Sox
Aaron Judge was one Yankee to find admiration in this weekend’s performance, particularly in the direction of his former teammate Carlos Narváez. The 26-year-old has been impressive during his rookie season, hitting .282/.361/.820 with six homers and 22 RBI in 50 games this year, and Judge hasn’t been surprised even as Narváez was buried on the Yankees’ depth chart this time one year ago.
“Narvi is a hard worker, a great teammate, one of the best we ever had over here,” Judge said via MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “...He outworked everybody in this room. So it doesn’t surprise me he’s having the success he is this year.”
Aaron Judge on Carlos Narváez:
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) June 9, 2025
“Narvi is a hard worker, a great teammate, one of the best we ever had over here. I was sad to see him go … He outworked everybody in this room. So it doesn't surprise me he's having the success he is this year."
(via @IanMBrowne) pic.twitter.com/W5OSnaBvUS
Narváez was originally signed as an international free agent by the Yankees organization and spent eight seasons in the minor leagues. While he posted a respectable .250/.364/.382 batter’s line with 47 home runs and 237 RBI in 497 career games, it wasn’t enough to get a call to the majors until last season when he went 3-for-15 with a pair of walks and six strikeouts in six games.
With Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra locked into the catcher spots at the major league level, the Yankees traded Narváez to Boston last winter. The move turned out to be a great change of scenery for Narváez after Connor Wong suffered a left pinkie fracture in April, and Narváez has graduated to become a middle-of-the-order hitter as the Red Sox go through the month of June.
The Red Sox have plenty of young, talented hitters, and added another one with Monday’s call-up of Roman Anthony. But if Narváez keeps playing like he has, the Red Sox may reap the benefits of poaching a hidden gem from their rival.