Carlos Narvaez, once a little-known catcher acquired from the Yankees, has emerged as the Boston Red Sox’s unexpected MVP in 2025. His stellar defense and surprising offensive power have made him an indispensable player in a challenging season.
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Rising Stars
Year of ‘The Narv’: Carlos Narvaez has been Red Sox’ unexpected MVP
Photo by Necn
Key Takeaways:
- Carlos Narvaez has become the Red Sox’s unexpected MVP during the 2025 season.
- Acquired quietly from the Yankees, he swiftly took over as starting catcher.
- Excelling defensively, Narvaez ranks high in critical catching metrics.
- His offensive output has surpassed expectations, contributing significantly to the team.
- His performance has been pivotal in keeping the Red Sox competitive amid challenges.
Carlos Narvaez: The Red Sox’s Unexpected MVP
An Overlooked Trade That Paid Off
On December 11, the Boston Red Sox made a blockbuster deal to acquire ace Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. Overshadowed by this headline-grabbing move was a quiet transaction that sent little-known catcher Carlos Narvaez from the New York Yankees to Boston. Few could have predicted that this under-the-radar trade would bring the Red Sox their most valuable player of the 2025 season.
Defensive Mastery Behind the Plate
Narvaez, a 26-year-old rookie, wasted no time unseating Connor Wong as the Red Sox’s starting catcher. Renowned for his work ethic, he quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier defensive backstops. Narvaez ranks near the top of the league in framing, blocks above average, caught stealings above average, and pop time. With six defensive runs saved, he stands third among MLB catchers.
Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ superstar, wasn’t surprised by Narvaez’s success. “Narvy is a hard worker, a great teammate, one of the best we ever had over here,” Judge said after Sunday’s Red Sox-Yankees game. “He outworked everybody in this room. So it doesn’t surprise me he’s having the success he is this year.”
Surprising Strength at the Plate
While his defensive prowess was anticipated by some, Narvaez’s offensive contributions have been a revelation. Through 50 games, the Venezuelan native boasts a batting average of .282, an on-base percentage of .361, and a slugging percentage of .459. He’s hit six home runs and driven in 22 runs, placing him sixth in OPS (.859) among MLB catchers with at least 100 plate appearances.
Anchoring the Team Amidst Challenges
As of Monday, Narvaez is tied with slugger Rafael Devers for the third-highest fWAR on the team at 2.2, trailing only Crochet (2.5) and star third baseman Alex Bregman (2.4). With Bregman sidelined by a quad injury in May and Devers causing off-the-field distractions, Narvaez’s steady presence has been crucial.
The Red Sox, battling to reach a .500 record at 32-35, have faced a disappointing season. Narvaez’s emergence has been instrumental in preventing the team’s struggles from spiraling out of control.
A Statement Against His Former Team
Narvaez delivered a standout performance against his former club on Sunday, hitting a three-run homer to help the Red Sox secure an 11-7 victory over the Yankees. The win allowed Boston to take two out of three in the series at Yankee Stadium.
Eyes on the All-Star Game
With his exceptional performance, Narvaez is making a strong case for selection to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta next month. His contributions on both sides of the ball have not only boosted his reputation but also kept the Red Sox competitive.
Continuing the Climb
The Red Sox aim to build on their momentum as they return to Fenway Park for a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch for Game 1 is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday. With Narvaez behind the plate, the team hopes to turn their season around.
This story reflects events as described in the original content provided.
