Garrett Crochet Praises ‘Really Special’ Red Sox Teammate After Win Over Yankees
Garrett Crochet wasn’t the only Boston Red Sox newcomer to deliver a memorable performance in Friday night’s win over the New York Yankees.
Boston’s new ace blanked the Bronx Bombers for eight electric innings before allowing a solo home run to Aaron Judge in the ninth. Carlos Narváez then continued his breakout campaign with a clutch tenth inning.
In the top of the 10th, the rookie catcher fired a perfect throw to catch Anthony Volpe attempting to steal third. That defensive play kept the game tied at 1-1 before Narváez blasted a walk-off hit off the Green Monster.
Crochet commended his battery mate following the impressive performance.
“It’s really special,” Crochet said, per The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey. “He really calls games like he has been doing it for 10 years in The Show. His at-bats at the plate, late in crunchtime, he just never gives in.”
In December, shortly before landing Crochet in a blockbuster deal, the Red Sox made a rare trade with their bitter nemesis when they acquired Narváez from the Yankees. He played just six games for the Bronx Bombers last season without tallying an extra-base hit.
Narváez opened the season as Connor Wong’s backup, but the 26-year-old has run away with the starting job. He’s batting .280/.361/.456 with the third-highest WAR (2.4) among catchers behind Cal Raleigh and Will Smith.
Only four catchers (minimum 100 plate appearances) have a higher weighted on-base average than Narváez, but he’s also excellent behind the plate. The backstop’s eight defensive runs saved ties Patrick Bailey for the position lead.
Crochet isn’t the only one impressed by Narváez. Judge praised his former teammate during last week’s series at Yankee Stadium.
“Narvy is a hard worker, a great teammate, one of the best we ever had over here,” Judge said. “I was sad to see him go, but excited for the opportunity he’s getting right now. … Everybody loved him. He outworked everybody in this room. So it doesn’t surprise me he’s having the success he is this year.”
At this rate, Narváez could represent the Red Sox in this year’s All-Star Game and push for AL Rookie of the Year consideration.