When the Boston Red Sox jumpstarted their offseason by trading for former Chicago White Sox ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, it came at a significant cost. In return, Boston sent four of their top prospects to Chicago, with the most notable being Kyle Teel, their 2023 first-round pick (14th overall) out of the University of Virginia.
Parting with Teel was a tough call for Boston, as the 23-year-old was widely regarded as their catcher of the future. He was expected to eventually replace Conor Wong, who, despite contributing at the plate, has struggled defensively in key areas behind the dish.
Earlier in the offseason, the Red Sox added veteran minor league catcher Carlos Narvaez in a trade with the New York Yankees. Narvaez is now expected to head north as Wong’s primary backup, though neither catcher is seen as the long-term answer that Boston once envisioned Teel would be.
Blockbuster Gets Red Sox Potential Next Great Catcher
However, a new trade proposal from Newsweek sportswriter Zach Presnell could give the Red Sox a chance to restock their system with a catcher who’s nearly Major League-ready.
Presnell suggests a potential deal between Boston and the Atlanta Braves, centered around Atlanta’s top prospect, 23-year-old catcher. A 2022 third-round pick out of Missouri State, is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 catching prospect — although still behind Teel, who holds the No. 3 spot.
Meanwhile, the Braves are reportedly growing frustrated with shortstop Orlando Arcia, who has struggled this spring, collecting just two hits and three walks in 30 plate appearances. As Atlanta eyes an eighth straight postseason appearance in 2025, following their 2021 World Series title, they may look to upgrade at shortstop.
The Red Sox could offer Trevor Story in return. Despite his injury troubles limiting him to just 163 games across three seasons in Boston, Story, 32, is a two-time All-Star with a career .833 OPS. A fresh start with a contender like Atlanta could be just what he needs to rediscover his form.
Marcelo Mayer Ready to Take Over From Story
In Presnell’s proposed deal, Story would net the Red Sox two of Atlanta’s top prospects: right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep, the Braves’ 2023 first-round pick (24th overall) out of Florida, and infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr., a 2022 fifth-round selection from Riverside, California.
According to MLB Pipeline, Waldrep and Alvarez are currently ranked as the Braves’ No. 4 and No. 5 prospects, respectively.
While Waldrep’s arm would be a valuable addition, Boston’s middle infield is already crowded. In addition to Story, the Red Sox have several options, including a potential position shift for Alex Bregman (from third base to second), young players like David Hamilton, and top prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer. Vaughn Grissom, who was acquired in last offseason’s trade that sent Cy Young winner Chris Sale to Atlanta, has also been optioned to Triple-A because of the logjam.
With no clear path to the majors, Alvarez would likely be blocked in Boston’s system. However, catcher is a different story. After trading Teel to the White Sox, the Red Sox are thin behind the plate. Mayer, who’s thriving in Grapefruit League action with a .357 average and .973 OPS in 15 games, could slide into the everyday shortstop role, while Baldwin could become Boston’s next long-term solution at catcher if they decide to pull the trigger on this proposed blockbuster.