Red Sox looking to upgrade at catcher, in on Christian Vázquez, possibly trade their in-house candidates
At this years Winter Meetings, the Red Sox have been searching to revamp the bullpen and add starters to the mix. Unfortunately, the players they want turn down their offers and sign elsewhere. The club is also looking to make a move at catcher and have some options available.
On Tuesday in San Diego, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told reporters the organization is looking to upgrade behind the dish through free agency or trades.
“There have been some talks. We’re in on the guys that we like,” Bloom said on Day 2 of the Winter Meetings. “There’s some guys that we like but, forever reason, aren’t the right fits for us. We’re trying to be selective with who we pursue.”
As of right now, Boston is set to go into 2023 with Reese McGuire and Connor Wong. Both players aren’t flashy but we’re serviceable last season.
Bloom acknowledged the Red Sox are in on free agent Christian Vázquez. Reportedly the Astros, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Guardians, Twins, and Padres are in all in play for Vázquez. It’s unknown if he has a preference on even returning to the club he has spent his entire career with up until he was traded at the MLB trade deadline.
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Some names the Red Sox are connected to are free agents Willson Contreras, Mike Zunino, Roberto Perez, Robinson Chirinos, Omar Narváez and Jorge Alfaro.
Bloom has a connection to Zunino from their time with the Rays. The 31-year-old is coming off thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in his left arm.
“I don’t see it as any different than a lot of other areas of our roster. We have good options at that position,” Bloom said. “We should always be looking to get better everywhere. That’s going to be easier in some places than others. That’s no different here. There’s a few guys that they, if they’re free agents, or their teams, if they’re not, know that we have interest. The timing on those and how exactly that progresses, we’ll see. We’re certainly active in that.”
The Red Sox could attempt to make a splash and acquire A’s catcher Sean Murphy but the asking price will be high. Unless the team wants to deal one of their top four prospects, at this juncture, Murphy seems unrealistic.
“The trade market is a real avenue for us to improve,” Bloom said. “I said this from the beginning. I think things are going to happen on different timetables but the best offseason we can have is going to involve a mix of different avenues to add talent. So that’s certainly one we’re looking at. The more impactful the player, the better.
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“A lot of times with those players, to the extent the return involves other big league pieces you have, which it often does for star players, you have to look at how worth it is to rob Peter to pay Paul,” he added. “You’re ultimately getting to your end point of having the team you want to have. At the same time, if you want those players, it’s going to hurt to go get them. If it’s the right player, you should do it.”
As the third day of the meetings roll on, fans want action. Other organizations around the league are adding talent and Boston has made only one minor-league signing. What will Day 3 at the Winter Meetings hold? Only time will tell.
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