Red Sox Acquire 7-Year MLB Veteran Catcher: Report

The Boston Red Sox have made a strategic move to shore up their catching depth by signing Matt Thaiss, a 30-year-old catcher with seven years of Major League Baseball (MLB) experience, to a minor-league contract. Thaiss, who has been a part of multiple MLB organizations, joins the Red Sox with a non-roster invite to spring training in what is seen as a clear indication that the team is taking a hard look at the state of their catching situation.

For months, rumors swirled around the Red Sox as the team evaluated their catching options heading into the 2026 season. After a somewhat tumultuous 2025 season, the Red Sox had reason to look for upgrades at the position. Last season, Carlos Narváez emerged as the starting catcher after a solid rookie campaign. However, despite his strong start to the year, Narváez seemed to wear down as the season went on. He wasn’t able to maintain the level of play that had helped him secure the starting job, which led to concerns about his long-term viability as the primary backstop.

Meanwhile, Connor Wong, the other catcher on the roster, had a miserable 2025 season offensively. Wong, who had been expected to be a stable backup for Narváez, posted one of the worst offensive seasons for a catcher in Red Sox history, which exacerbated the team’s need for better production behind the plate. Wong’s struggles with the bat only increased the urgency for the Red Sox to pursue a more reliable option at catcher.

The Signing of Matt Thaiss: A Signal to Wong and Narváez

The signing of Matt Thaiss signals that the Red Sox are looking for more consistency and reliability behind the plate. Thaiss, a former first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, was acquired through a minor-league deal, but with a non-roster invitation to spring training, which means he’ll get an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Red Sox major-league roster.

While signing a minor-league deal for a player like Thaiss doesn’t always guarantee a spot on the roster, the fact that he has a non-roster invite suggests that the team sees potential in him to compete for the backup catcher role, or perhaps even challenge Wong and Narváez for the starting role. Thaiss has the pedigree to do just that: in 2025, he played 60 games for the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, contributing 1.2 bWAR in what was his most productive MLB season to date.

Though he might not have been a household name, Thaiss’ solid performance in 2025, coupled with his versatility and ability to perform both offensively and defensively, made him an attractive option for the Red Sox. Thaiss also brings a left-handed bat to the table, which would provide the Red Sox with a different dynamic compared to their current right-handed options in Wong and Narváez. In terms of defensive capabilities, Thaiss also had his best season defensively in 2025, further enhancing his case to make the team.

The Impact on Wong and Narváez

The signing of Thaiss raises immediate questions about the future of Connor Wong and Carlos Narváez with the Red Sox. Wong, despite having a minor-league option left, is coming off a rough season. With Thaiss coming in and making a strong case for himself during spring training, it’s possible that Wong could begin the 2026 season in Triple-A if the Red Sox feel that Thaiss offers more stability at the position. Wong’s defensive limitations, especially compared to the more solid defenders like Narváez and Thaiss, make his position on the roster even more uncertain.

Carlos Narváez, on the other hand, faces questions of his own. While he showed promise as a rookie in 2025, his inability to maintain a high level of play in the second half of the season brings into question his reliability as a starting catcher. If Narváez doesn’t manage to find a way to stay consistent throughout the season, the Red Sox could look to Thaiss or Wong to fill in as the team’s primary catcher.

Matt Thaiss: A Career Path with Ups and Downs

Matt Thaiss’ career to date has been one of growth and adaptation. Initially drafted by the Angels in the first round of the 2016 draft, Thaiss has spent most of his career in the minors and had a few stints in the majors with the Angels, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. Over the course of his career, Thaiss has shown potential with the bat, offering an on-base percentage approach to hitting, with an ability to drive in runs and a solid batting average.

His main contributions, however, have come as a catcher. Over his time with the White Sox and Rays, Thaiss has worked to develop into a more well-rounded player behind the plate. His defense improved steadily, and his ability to call games and manage pitchers added value to his overall skill set. While his offensive numbers may not have the same level of buzz as other well-known catchers, Thaiss has quietly become a reliable backup catcher who can add depth to any major league roster.

What Does This Mean for the Red Sox in 2026?

As the Red Sox head into the 2026 season, the decision on who will be the primary catcher could be one of the most closely watched battles in spring training. With Matt Thaiss now in the mix, he will have the opportunity to prove himself, potentially filling the void left by Wong’s struggles and Narváez’s inconsistency. A left-handed hitter with solid defensive skills, Thaiss could offer the Red Sox a reliable solution behind the plate.

That being said, the Red Sox will also need to ensure that their catcher tandem offers sufficient offense to complement the rest of the lineup. As the Red Sox continue their pursuit of a postseason berth, the performance of the catcher position could be a key factor in their success in 2026.

Ultimately, the competition for the starting catcher role will help shape the Red Sox’s season. Thaiss, despite his long road to the majors, could be the answer the team is looking for. If he can build on his recent success, he might just become a key piece in the Red Sox’s efforts to return to playoff contention.