Connor Wong Credits 2024 Breakout To ‘Legend’ Red Sox Catcher

The Boston Red Sox rolled into 2024 with two catchers on their Opening Day roster, but it has been Connor Wong who’s taken the reins of the go-to role by shining the brightest during an impressive fourth season with the organization.

Wong ranks fourth in doubles (20), eighth in home runs (13) and 10th in RBIs (48) among American League catchers. Defensively, Wong has also been reliable, logging a .995 fielding percentage while also giving Boston scattered appearances at second and first base to fill its occasional infield voids. But Wong refuses to take all the credit for what’s been a notable leap, directing credit instead to Red Sox “legend” Jason Varitek.

“He’s an absolute stud. We love him,” Wong told MLB Network Radio on Wednesday. “He’s been great for me, for (Danny Jansen), for Reese (McGuire) earlier in the year. He really gets it. He’s putting in the work. He’s kind of guiding us and teaching us, and just trying to be as good of a student as I can to learn from him and get everything out of him that he’s willing to give. … (He’s) such a legend in this city and as a catcher, has been amazing for me to have him.”

Varitek retired in 2011 after spending a full 15-year playing career with the Red Sox and was honored with an induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2016. Yet, the 52-year-old has stuck around with the team, hired as a Player Information Coach in 2021 — a role in which Varitek is extremely involved with current roster members. Varitek works in the bullpen with whoever gets the nod behind the plate, from the bullpen, before games and sits alongside manager Alex Cora in Boston’s dugout during games.

Needless to say, the dividends of keeping a three-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and the last appointed Red Sox captain involved have paid off for the franchise beyond Wong’s growth as an everyday big leaguer.