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Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow
It felt like the Boston Red Sox’s plan this winter was to wait out third baseman Alex Bregman like they did last winter. However, when the dust settled on this year’s decision, Bregman opted not to return to the Red Sox, instead joining the Chicago Cubs.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow clearly didn’t have a backup plan in place. He quickly pivoted to Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez. That does not fill the need at third base. Boston is still looking for Bregman’s replacement.
As far as other positions go, the Red Sox are still in need of a backup catcher behind Carlos Narváez, who had a good first full season in Boston. However, Breslow would be wise to add a veteran backup. There are some still available in free agency, and a former World Series champion was linked to them.
Boston Red Sox List a Fit For Rangers Free Agent Catcher Jonah Heim
In November, Jonah Heim was one of two key Texas Rangers players, along with Adolis García, who were non-tendered. They became free agents, and García found a new home with the Phillies. Heim is still looking for a job. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes he would be a good fit for the Red Sox.
“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. Heim is not far removed from starting the 2023 All-Star Game, but his numbers have been down the last two years.”
Sure, Heim’s stats have been down, but he’s still a very serviceable backup. He slashed .213/.271/.332 for Texas in 2025 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs. During the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run, he hit three home runs and drove in eight runs in 17 games. Heim was a key part of the Texas October run.
Why Jonah Heim Fits the Boston Red Sox
There is a little red flag given Heim’s downward spiral with his stats, but he wouldn’t be brought in to be the everyday catcher. He would be a solid backup to Narváez. More importantly, his work behind the plate should not go unnoticed.
“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,” Reuter wrote.
Reuter also believes that the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, and Tampa BayRays are fits. Of those teams, the Red Sox would need to worry about the Astros for Heim. Houston is in dire need of a backup, and plucking Heim from their in-state rivals would be something.
Has this offseason been good enough for Breslow to say he will compete in the loaded American League East? The Toronto Blue Jays had some big changes, the New York Yankees brought back Cody Bellinger, and the Baltimore Orioles landed Pete Alonso in free agency. Heim would not move the needle in terms of winning the AL East. He would, however, fill a big need that Breslow and the Red Sox have.
Scott Roche Scott Roche covers college football, NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com and has three decades of sports writing, covering everything from college to professional sports. More about Scott Roche
