For the Boston Red Sox, the offseason brings a prime opportunity to improve on last year’s playoff roster. There are plenty of positional needs that must be addressed before the winter is over, and it seems like catcher is one area that the Red Sox want to improve in, even if they extended a certain backstop not too long ago.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey, the Red Sox reportedly have some interest in three-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto once free agency begins.
Red Sox's J.T. Realmuto Interest is Surprising, But Not Uncalled For
The Athletic's report may come as a surprise to Red Sox fans like me. Last week, the team agreed to a one-year, $1.375 million contract to bring veteran catcher Connor Wong back to Boston. That, combined with a breakout season from Carlos Narvaez, may raise some eyebrows, given the team's clear needs elsewhere. But when you take a deeper look, a potential Realmuto signing makes sense.
Realmuto, 34, would be a massive upgrade over Wong. The veteran Boston backstop posted a strong 2024 season (.280 batting average, 13 home runs) but followed it up with a disappointing .190 batting average with zero home runs in 2025. Realmuto, meanwhile, has been a consistent threat at the plate with a .266 batting average with 14 home runs in 2024 and a .257 batting average with 12 home runs in 2025.
In other words, if the Red Sox want a reliable catcher who can hit and call a game, Realmuto might be a better option than Wong.
Beyond the numbers, Realmuto would be a valuable acquisition for the clubhouse. He’s a playoff-proven veteran who has helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies on multiple deep playoff runs, which include playing in the 2022 World Series. And given the physical toll catching takes, he could step right in as a strong insurance option alongside Narvaez, giving Boston one of the best one-two catcher punches in all of baseball.
But as great as a catcher upgrade would be, the Red Sox have more pressing needs on their roster. The front office must address its own star free agent, third baseman Alex Bregman, and find a starting-caliber first baseman. But adding a proven winner and the best catcher on the free agent market could pay dividends on the field and help the team’s top prospects fulfill their vast potential.
Moves like this can help push the Red Sox even closer to a deep playoff push next season, leaving time to tell if their alleged interest in Realmuto will translate into pen being put to paper.