Red Sox Get Best Possible News At Catcher As 2023 Final Roster Decisions Start Being Finalized

Boston was busy Monday as it began to finalize the 2023 Opening Day roster

The Boston Red Sox entered spring training with three catchers vying for two big league spots and have made their decision. 

Catchers Reese McGuire, Connor Wong, and Jorge Alfaro all battled throughout spring training for Boston's two spots on the Opening Day roster and after much speculation, Boston has opted to roll with Wong and McGuire, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. 

Jorge Alfaro will remain with the Sox at AAA. Bobby Dalbec optioned to Worcester.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 27, 2023

Alfaro entered camp as the team's biggest wild card at catcher. He has seven years of MLB experience and has shown impressive power, but is inconsistent defensively. He battled with Wong for the backup spot behind McGuire and although he impressed throughout camp and at the World Baseball Classic, Wong nabbed the spot. 

The 29-year-old signed with Boston this past offseason to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training, but it also has a clause in it that would allow him to opt-out if he didn't make the big league club. Although Alfaro didn't end up making the club, he still will remain with the club after not finding an opportunity elsewhere, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham. 

Dalbec was optioned. Alfaro sent to minor league camp. He had an out but did not find a better opportunity. Still deciding between Duran and Tapia in the OF and the final bullpen spot.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 27, 2023

Alfaro may not have made the team out of camp, but that doesn't mean he won't impact the Red Sox in any way. If Boston were to add him to the active roster it would've forced them to designate another player for assignment because he isn't signed to a major league contract. The fact that he still will remain in the organization in Triple-A gives Boston needed depth. Wong and McGuire may be the team's Opening Day catchers, but injuries or inconsistent play could always change that. 

If Alfaro didn't make the team out of camp, many speculated he would opt out and leave the organization. If he had done so, Boston would still have Wong and McGuire, but not much depth in the minors if they ever needed it. Now the club has three MLB-ready catchers at any moment and should be covered if anything -- like another injury -- pops up. 

The fact that Alfaro still is with the club plus McGuire and Wong was the best case scenario for Boston. Now the team will turn its focus to Opening Day as they kick off the 2023 campaign March 30 against the Baltimore Orioles. 

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