Who is the Red Sox Catcher of the Future?

The Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 with Jason Varitek as the starting catcher. Varitek spent the better part of the entirety of the first decade of this century as the Bosox backstop starter.

With Varitek aging out, Boston brought in Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians at the 2009 trade deadline. He would become a 2010 AL All-Star with Boston, but then left via free agency for the Detroit Tigers.

The catcher of the future at that point appeared to be Jarrod Saltalamacchia. ‘Salty’ took over as the starter for the 2011 season. He held that role for two more years through the 2013 World Series victory, after which he signed as a free agent with the Miami Marlins.

Since that time, the Red Sox have not had a regular starting catcher who has been able to hold the role. While trying to give opportunities to their youngsters, they have leaned on veterans such as A.J. Pierzynski, Ryan Hanigan, and David Ross at various times.

Whether do to injuries or inconsistency, none from among Christian Vazquez, Blake Swihart, or Sandy Leon can yet lay claim to the title of Red Sox catcher of the future.

Hanley and the Panda to Boston

The Boston Red Sox have agreed to longterm contracts with a pair of big name free agents, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo 'Kung Fu Panda' Sandoval.

MLB sources have told the Boston Globe that both deals are for 5 years, with Ramirez' in the $90 million and Sandoval in the $100 million range.

This is as clear a sign as any that the Bosox are not happy with having followed up their 2nd World Series title in 3 years in 2013 with their 2nd last place finish in 3 years in 2014.

While the adding of big name free agents is exciting for a fan base, the more important factors involve how those players will actually fit your current needs. The fact is that the Red Sox already owned a number of exciting offensive options, both in established players and in high-ceiling prospects.

The acquisition of both Ramirez and Sandoval brings a ton of risk to the organization at great monetary cost without addressing their most glaring need.