The Boston Red Sox made several impact moves last offseason to make a run to the playoffs. Back then, the trade to acquire Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees didn’t jump off the page.
The rookie catcher overtook Connor Wong for the majority of starts behind the plate and gave the Red Sox an immediate upgrade on both sides of the ball. He’s thrown out more potential base stealers than any catcher in baseball and hit his 15th home run Wednesday night to put Boston on the verge of its first postseason berth in four years.
Narvaez sports a bWAR just below 3.0 this season and clearly led the pitching staff to immense improvement with his pitch-calling and productive defense. The Red Sox rookie took a rare chance to reflect on his impactful season in an emotional interview following Wednesday’s win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
“Bro, I got chills right now,” Narvaez told Red Sox radio broadcasters Will Flemming and Mike Monaco on WEEI. “I can barely talk. It’s been a long ride. It’s been amazing. Every journey is tough, but my one has been tough. … Just feel proud to be with this group and competing at this level. Getting closer to the postseason. I just got to thank God. I feel proud every night to put my jersey on. Just got to keep going.”
Narvaez came over in the winter with several impact stars including a trio of 2025 All-Star selections in Garrett Crochet, Alex Bregman and Aroldis Chapman.
The Red Sox can clinch a playoff berth as early as Thursday with a win or a Houston Astros loss.