Red Sox Sign Veteran Catcher Yasmani Grandal to Minor League Deal

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Red Sox have signed catcher Yasmani Grandal to a minor league contract, according to reports released Thursday. The 36-year-old veteran is expected to provide depth at the catching position following the recent injury to starter Connor Wong.

Wong, who was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to a fractured left finger, will likely be sidelined for 7-9 weeks. In his absence, Grandal, who has played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, could emerge as a critical option for the Sox.

Grandal previously played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he batted .228 in 72 games during the 2024 season, hitting nine home runs and maintaining a .704 OPS. Despite his slight decline in offensive production, he remains highly regarded for his defensive skills, particularly in pitch framing.

Before signing with Boston, Grandal was a two-time All-Star and has a career batting average of .236 with 194 home runs and 592 RBIs. This includes an impressive stretch from 2016-2019, where he averaged 25 home runs per season.

“He’s a veteran presence in the locker room and can guide the younger catchers,” said a source close to the team. “His experience is invaluable, especially in our current situation.”

With Wong out, Blake Sabol has taken over as the starting catcher, while Carlos Narváez will back him up. Narváez has limited experience, with just 14 games at the major league level. Boston also has one non-roster option, which poses a challenge as his career batting average stands at .205.

Grandal’s signing mitigates the risks associated with a thin catching depth chart, particularly after the Red Sox traded away their top catching prospect, Kyle Teel, as part of a deal with the Chicago White Sox in December. The club’s decision to secure Grandal underscores their commitment to strengthening the catching position.

Despite his recent struggles in free agency, Grandal’s track record suggests he could still deliver valuable contributions to the team. His ability to hit well in the second half of last season, where he posted a .296 batting average after July 4th, raises the potential for a resurgence.

The Red Sox have options to get Grandal into game shape, potentially sending him to extended Spring Training or to their minor league affiliates for rehabilitation. If he shows readiness before Wong’s recovery, he might become Boston’s go-to catcher.

With the team navigating through injuries and inconsistency this season, having an experienced catcher like Grandal provides much-needed assurance. Speculation surrounds whether he will reclaim a prominent role within weeks, rather than months, in the Red Sox lineup.