Boston Red Sox
“Boston will always be in my heart.”
Carlos Narvaez only played one full season as a member of the Boston Red Sox before getting traded last month. But he has no hard feelings and looks back on his time fondly.
Narvaez, who was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles in a surprising trade that landed Boston fellow catcher Adley Rutschman on Aug. 3, said it took some time to get his emotions in check.
“I was very emotional,” Narvaez told reporters before Thursday’s game between the Orioles and Red Sox at Camden Yards (via NESN). “It’s not a secret that I had big expectations in Boston. But, like, it happens. It’s the business.
“Took me two or three days to realize — just switch the page.”
Narvaez, 27, originally landed in Boston from the New York Yankees via trade in December 2024. He got off to a hot start offensively in the first half of the 2025 season, which helped him become an important part of the club. But he teetered in the second half and failed to find his footing to begin 2026 with the Red Sox.
Narvaez ultimately shared playing time with fellow receiver Connor Wong despite beginning the season as Boston’s starting catcher. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow seemingly wasn’t thrilled with Narvaez’s production, which led to the Rutschman deal on trade deadline day.
Narvaez said he’s enjoyed his time with the Orioles so far, but admitted he has a soft spot for his former team.
“People here in Baltimore have been amazing. The welcome that I had has been really good. We’re right there trying to make the playoffs, and that’s the goal. It was a little bit easier to switch the page,” he said. “But at the same time, as soon as I was driving here to Baltimore, I was crying. Because I realized how much love I have for Boston.
“But like I said, it’s the business side. Super, super thankful for that opportunity. Boston will always be in my heart.”
On the field, Narvaez’s struggles have continued with his new club. He’s batting a measly .091 (5-for-55) with a .303 OPS in 22 games with Baltimore. He has one extra-base hit and has drawn four walks.
Defensively, he’s committed two errors as an Oriole across 169.2 innings behind the plate. He made four miscues in 61 games with the Red Sox.
Narvaez said he’s still close with several current members of Boston’s roster despite the distance between them.
“[Aroldis Chapman] Chappy, bro. This guy is my brother,” he said when asked if he keeps in contact with any Red Sox. “Chappy, [Andruw] Monasterio. Oh my. [Ranger] Suarez. I mean, we always hang out. … [Trevor] Story, Roman [Anthony], [Jarren] Duran, all those guys.”
It can be deduced that Narvaez and starting pitcher Payton Tolle are good friends, as well. The pair were seen hugging and catching up on the field pregame.
Narvaez went on to say he believes Boston’s unprecedented turnaround and prosperity since July stems from the players’ close-knit nature.
“We were super close, and that’s the beauty of this team. That’s why they have success,” he said. “The team is really close, the team is really together. That’s why they’re winning right now. They created that a long time ago.”
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