Connor Wong: The Red Sox Catcher Of The Future?
The Red Sox didn’t get enough for Mookie Betts. I think we all know this. However, there is still a chance the trade doesn’t turn into a disaster. Alex Verdugo is already becoming a pretty good player in his own right. The forgotten man of the trade (Connor Wong) is starting to show real flashes and very well could turn into an important chess piece for Boston sooner rather than later.
The way the season is transpiring, it might be safe to say Christian Vazquez for sure isn’t returning. The only way he returns is if Wong proves he’s not ready. Odds are, the Sox are going to roll with the catching duo of Reese McGuire and Wong.
McGuire, 27, has played out of his mind since joining the Sox after the Jake Diekman trade. McGuire is slashing .355/.388/.435 in 23 games with the Sox. McGuire is also a standout defensively but we already knew that. McGuire isn’t going to put up that batting line but at minimum, McGuire has proved he’s a very capable back up option.
That leaves one spot and it will likely go to Wong. It also allows Boston to go cheap at catcher and spend elsewhere to improve the roster. The way Wong has performed this year in the minors and during a short stint with the big league should give Boston confidence that they might have their catcher of the future.
Wong, 26, didn’t exactly light the world on fire this year at the MLB level. However, his bat has really come along in the minors. In 81 games with AAA Worcester, Wong has hit .288 with 15 homers. Best of all, Wong has been stellar behind the plate AND has enough versatility to play an infield spot in a pinch.
Ronaldo Hernandez is also on the 40 man but his spot is far from safe. The bat might be there but the defense most certainly is not. In reality, this all comes down to Wong being ready. If he is, Boston will have the chance to maximize their spending elsewhere.
Bloom better be right about Wong. This is the Betts trade we’re talking about after all.
