Ex-Yankees All-Star Not 'Real Match' For Red Sox Despite Speculation

It doesn't sound like the Red Sox are going to land the former Yankees slugger

Will the Boston Red Sox add more depth at catcher this offseason?

This question has been floated on multiple occasions this offseason. The Red Sox's starting rotation has led to most of the headlines, but other areas of the club could use some work.

Some have speculated that an upgrade at catcher could be an option and one player that has been mentioned as an option in free agency is former New York Yankees All-Star Gary Sánchez. 

The veteran backstop saw time at the big league level in 2023 with the New York Mets and San Diego Padres and was impressive. While an argument could be made that he would be an upgrade for Boston, a move is unlikely, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"I'm trying not to be the 'throw cold water on every (free agent) by saying nah, haven't heard that' but did some texting around on this a few days ago and don't get the sense it's a real match," Cotillo said. "Also, if the Red Sox are (inexplicably) concerned about every dollar as much as we think they are, why would they tender McGuire and pay him $1.5M if they were serious about (Martín Maldonado), Gary, etc. (Connor Wong)/McGuire is more than fine with (Kyle Teel) potentially moving quickly."

Sánchez was known as a bat-first player without much defensive upside. Since leaving New York ahead of the 2022 campaign, Sánchez has begun to turn things around defensively while also providing some pop offensively.

He spent the 2023 season as Blake Snell's personal catcher and could help the Red Sox out, but he likely will cost more than they want to spend. Plus, if Teel can impress in 2024, maybe he could make his way to the big leagues by the end of the season. 

Sánchez is a solid player but it's very unlikely he will be in Boston in 2024.

More MLB: Red Sox Slugger 'Increasingly Likely' To Make Decision This Week; Is Reunion On Way?