Jason Varitek Offers Fair Assessment Of Red Sox Prospect Kyle Teel

BOSTON — Jason Varitek understands the responsibilities of performing as the everyday catcher for the Red Sox. He did that and more as Boston’s longtime captain during his playing days.

Boston’s current starter is Connor Wong, and a potential star is on the way. Top catching prospect Kyle Teel finished last season with Triple-A Worcester. Varitek recently provided his state of the position for the Red Sox.

“We’re solid,” Varitek told NESN.com Friday at the Pedro Martinez Foundation gala. “We’ve been solid. We had solid help. The organization’s growing and getting better. As they both continue to develop. They still have developmental things to continue with. Really good players.”

The Red Sox likely need a veteran backup this winter until Teel is ready to ship up to Boston. The Red Sox 2023 first-round pick showed promise last season with a hot bat in May with Double-A Portland and understood adjustments after a slow start in Worcester.

Baseball America’s Geoff Pontes told NESN.com before the 2024 season that Teel could become a franchise catcher for the Red Sox in a similar manner to Varitek. The 2025 season could bring that to life if Teel stays on schedule with his development.

Perhaps for a summer debut in Boston?