The Boston Red Sox haven\u2019t exactly been subtle in their quest to find some fresh blood behind the plate. <\/p>\n
But the team\u2019s answer for backing up catcher Carlos Narvaez<\/a> in 2026 could be staring manager Alex Cora <\/a>in the face: Willson Contreras<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow<\/a> traded<\/a> with the St. Louis Cardinals for Contreras with the idea of the 33-year-old playing first base.<\/p>\n However keep in mind Contreras began his career as a catcher for the Chicago Cubs. And Contreras said he\u2019s willing to give it another shot.<\/p>\n \u201cContreras said on a video call this week with reporters he\u2019s willing to play catcher, where he\u2019s spent the majority of his career before transitioning to first base,\u201d The Athletic\u2019s Jen McCaffrey reports<\/a>. \u201cHe might see some time behind the plate, but the Red Sox prefer him to stick at first base and DH for now.\u201d<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n The three-time All-Star was a full-time catcher as recently as 2021. He started getting regular reps at designated hitter in 2022. <\/p>\n Contreras signed with the Cardinals as a free agent before the 2023 season. But St. Louis didn\u2019t actually move him to first base until the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n At this point, it seems somewhat far-fetched to think Contreras is Boston\u2019s primary option for backup catcher.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s gone mostly under the radar, but the Red Sox remain active in their pursuit of an upgrade to their second catcher spot,\u201d Masslive.com\u2019s Sean McAdam<\/a> reports. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Sox were very much involved with free agent Victor Caratini<\/a>, who took a two-year deal with Minnesota on Friday, hours after the Phillies re-signed<\/a> J.T. Realmuto<\/a>,\u201d McAdam adds. \u201cPhiladelphia had seen Caratini as a cheaper alternative to Realmuto had they succeeded in landing Bo Bichette<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sox\u2019 search to land someone to pair with Carlos Narvaez has been ongoing since last summer,\u201d McAdam notes. \u201cThey contacted the White Sox to see if they would consider trading Kyle Teel<\/a> back to them, and showed interest in the Dodgers\u2019 Dalton Rushing<\/a>. <\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cA month out from spring training, Connor Wong<\/a> is still the No. 2 catcher, but his hold on the position is tenuous,\u201d McAdam concludes.<\/p>\n