All-Star Slugger Could Be Red Sox’s Solution In Backup Catcher Quest

The Boston Red Sox haven’t exactly been subtle in their quest to find some fresh blood behind the plate.

But the team’s answer for backing up catcher Carlos Narvaez in 2026 could be staring manager Alex Cora in the face: Willson Contreras.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow traded with the St. Louis Cardinals for Contreras with the idea of the 33-year-old playing first base.

However keep in mind Contreras began his career as a catcher for the Chicago Cubs. And Contreras said he’s willing to give it another shot.

“Contreras said on a video call this week with reporters he’s willing to play catcher, where he’s spent the majority of his career before transitioning to first base,” The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey reports. “He might see some time behind the plate, but the Red Sox prefer him to stick at first base and DH for now.”

The three-time All-Star was a full-time catcher as recently as 2021. He started getting regular reps at designated hitter in 2022.

Contreras signed with the Cardinals as a free agent before the 2023 season. But St. Louis didn’t actually move him to first base until the 2025 campaign.

At this point, it seems somewhat far-fetched to think Contreras is Boston’s primary option for backup catcher.

“It’s gone mostly under the radar, but the Red Sox remain active in their pursuit of an upgrade to their second catcher spot,” Masslive.com’s Sean McAdam reports.

“The Sox were very much involved with free agent Victor Caratini, who took a two-year deal with Minnesota on Friday, hours after the Phillies re-signed J.T. Realmuto,” McAdam adds. “Philadelphia had seen Caratini as a cheaper alternative to Realmuto had they succeeded in landing Bo Bichette.

“The Sox’ search to land someone to pair with Carlos Narvaez has been ongoing since last summer,” McAdam notes. “They contacted the White Sox to see if they would consider trading Kyle Teel back to them, and showed interest in the Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing.

“A month out from spring training, Connor Wong is still the No. 2 catcher, but his hold on the position is tenuous,” McAdam concludes.

Wong struggled in 2025, hitting a paltry .190 with a career-low .500 OPS in 63 games.