The Boston Red Sox have officially claimed catcher Ali Sánchez off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, as confirmed by both teams. This move follows Sánchez’s designation for assignment by Toronto just a few days prior. The Red Sox had a vacancy on their 40-man roster, but now the roster is full, and Sánchez, who is out of options, will require a corresponding move to be made when he joins the team.
The 28-year-old Sánchez initially signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays during the offseason. Throughout this season, he has made two brief appearances in the majors, stepping in as an injury replacement. His first stint came late in May when Tyler Heineman was on the concussion injured list, although he was designated for assignment upon the return of Heineman. After clearing waivers and electing free agency, he rejoined the Blue Jays. Recently, he returned to the majors again due to Alejandro Kirk’s concussion-related IL stint, but again faced DFA once Kirk was ready to play.
The Red Sox’s catching duties have primarily been managed by Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong this season. Narváez has been performing well but missed the recent game due to knee soreness. Meanwhile, Wong has struggled significantly at the plate, boasting a mere .160/.235/.179 batting line this season.
As they integrate Sánchez into the team, it’s uncertain what steps Boston will take. There’s speculation that Narváez may need to go on the injured list, or Wong could potentially be optioned to the minors. The organization may also consider retaining three catchers to allow Narváez time to recuperate, which would necessitate clearing another roster spot, possibly involving David Hamilton.
Sánchez made his major league debut in 2020 but has limited experience, totaling just 131 plate appearances with a .186/.224/.237 batting line. However, he has demonstrated commendable defensive skills and has shown promise in the minors. Since the 2022 season, he has achieved a .273/.350/.420 batting average in 931 Triple-A plate appearances, making him a viable option for the Red Sox moving forward. Given that he has just over a year of service time and is economical for the team, Sánchez presents an intriguing opportunity for Boston as they look to bolster their roster.
This addition could refresh the Sox’s catching lineup and provide a much-needed boost, particularly if Sánchez translates his minor league success to the majors.