Alex Cora Impressed By Red Sox Rookie Smashing Expectations
It’s safe to say that Carlos Narváez has exceeded expectations for the Boston Red Sox this year, even Alex Cora’s.
When the Red Sox initially traded for him from the New York Yankees last winter, they were expecting him to be a backup catcher for Connor Wong. Narváez had only played six games for the Yankees and was still unproven, so Cora figured he’d need time to develop.
“I thought we were getting a defensive catcher that was going to grow into, probably, an everyday player with time, not this year,” Cora said after Wednesday’s 10-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. “But Connor goes down with an injury and he took the baton and he’s still running with it.”
The rookie catcher has been outstanding for Boston, supplanting Wong behind the plate and mitigating concerns about trading catching prospect Kyle Teel to the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet last offseason.
Offensively, Narváez has been sensational. The 26-year-old doubled and homered on Wednesday, raising his batting line to .280/.354/.453 (122 OPS+) with eight homers, 18 doubles and 30 RBI in 70 games.
Defensively, he’s been just as good. Narváez threw out another base-stealer on Wednesday — his 17th caught stealing (most in the Major Leagues). That’s the most by a Red Sox catcher since Jason Varitek in 2002 (20) and most by a team rookie before the All-Star Break since Gary Allenson (21) in 1979.
Cora attributes Narváez’s success to his strong preparation and footwork.
“His footwork is really good,” Cora said. “If you see him during pregame, when we’re taking ground balls, he goes to second and short and he has good footwork.”
Narváez has also demonstrated exceptional leadership for a rookie and a newcomer. He works closely with Varitek, who has mentored him and helped him get comfortable in his first season in Boston.
Add it all up, and Narváez has been one of the Red Sox’s best players this year. His 2.9 WAR is tied with Alex Bregman for second-most on the team, behind only Ceddanne Rafaela’s 3.5. He’s playing at an All-Star level, even though he was snubbed from the team.
Narváez has helped carry Boston through a tumultuous first half, keeping the team in contention with his steady hitting, defense and leadership. He’s made a tremendous first impression, and now that he’s comfortable, he could be poised for an even better second half.