Red Sox Give Connor Wong Another Opportunity Behind the Plate

The Boston Red Sox continue to search for stability behind the plate as they prepare for the 2026 season. After trading Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020—a deal that heavily favored the Dodgers—the Red Sox have struggled to find consistent production from the players received in return. While Alex Verdugo and Jeter Downs failed to meet expectations, Connor Wong remains the lone asset with potential to fill a significant role.

Wong enters his sixth season with the Red Sox after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Following a strong 2024 season where he hit .280 with 13 home runs and 125 hits, Wong struggled through injuries and inconsistent play last year, appearing in just 63 games with a .190 batting average and zero home runs. Despite the setbacks, the team is giving him another chance to compete for the starting catcher role.

Catcher Carlos Navarez, who emerged as the primary option last year, recently underwent knee surgery, leaving a potential opening for Wong to reclaim the starting position. The Red Sox hope his experience and familiarity with the organization will help him rebound and provide the team with the stability it has lacked at catcher.

The one-year contract, which avoids arbitration, signals the Red Sox’s willingness to give Wong a short-term opportunity to prove himself while keeping roster flexibility intact. His performance in 2026 could shape the team’s plans at the position moving forward.

1. Wong’s Road Back

Connor Wong’s career with Boston has been a mix of promise and disappointment. Early in his tenure, he showed the ability to contribute offensively and defensively, but injuries and inconsistent production have prevented him from becoming a reliable everyday player. The 2025 season represented a low point, with Wong posting career-worst numbers and struggling to stay on the field. Still, the Red Sox see enough potential to give him another shot, especially with Navarez recovering from surgery. Coaches and management will likely work closely with Wong on both his offensive approach and defensive responsibilities to ensure he can handle the demands of catching a major league pitching staff. Wong’s ability to return to his 2024 form will be a key factor in determining whether Boston can finally fill the void left by the Betts trade and strengthen the catcher position long term.

2. High Expectations for the Red Sox

Boston enters the 2026 season with renewed optimism after making moves to improve its roster. The team is just a few pieces away from serious contention in the American League East, and finding a stable catcher is a critical part of that puzzle. The Red Sox have also been active in trade discussions and may continue to tweak the roster before Spring Training, seeking to complement young talent and experienced players alike. For Wong, the 2026 season is an opportunity to regain confidence and prove he can be a cornerstone at catcher. A strong season from him could allow the Red Sox to solidify their lineup and have a reliable presence behind the plate. Ultimately, the Red Sox are counting on both roster improvements and Wong’s resurgence to position themselves as legitimate contenders in the upcoming season.

3. Catcher Stability Will Be Key

The Red Sox’s decision to bring back Connor Wong on a one-year deal underscores the importance of catcher stability as the team looks to compete in 2026. If Wong can stay healthy and deliver consistent performance, Boston will have an experienced, homegrown option to anchor the position. His success could also influence the team’s approach to free agency and trades at catcher in future seasons, providing clarity on the long-term plan. Wong’s rebound will be closely watched, as it could be a defining factor in the Red Sox’s ability to contend in the AL East next year.