Red Sox Named As Fit For Former World Series Champ
Boston could look to upgrade at catcher
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly been looking to upgrade their catching tandem and could look at a former World Series champion.
With the Red Sox reportedly looking to add some catching help, MLB analyst Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report links the team to free agent Jonah Heim.
“Danny Jansen (TEX) and Victor Caratini (MIN) have landed two-year deals to serve in platoon roles, while J.T. Realmuto re-upped with the Phillies on a three-year, $45 million deal, but overall it has been a slow-moving market for catchers,” Reuter wrote in a piece published on Tuesday. “Heim is not far removed from starting the 2023 All-Star Game, but his numbers have been down the last two years. …
“Now that Realmuto and Caratini have finally signed, Heim and Elías Díaz represent the best available catchers. Heim’s 68 home runs over the last five years rank 10th among all catchers, and he does a good job handling the pitching staff. The Astros, Padres, Rays and Red Sox are all potential fits.”
Heim was non-tendered by the Texas Rangers in November and has remained a free agent. He was a key part of the Rangers team that won the World Series in 2023, as he was an All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award that same season.
If the Red Sox do sign Heim, he would compete with Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong for a catching spot.
At this point in the offseason, Heim could sign a minor-league deal with the Red Sox with an invite to spring training and compete for the job. So, it could be a low-risk signing for Boston.
Heim hit .213 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs last season, as it was a down year. His best season was in 2023 as he hit .258 with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs.
