The New York Yankees have faced a challenging scenario at the catcher position, a situation worsened by José Treviño’s season-ending wrist injury. The rumors of the team looking for additional catchers at the trade deadline weren’t a surprise.
With mainstays like Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt not entirely filling the void, a look at Triple-A prospects, including the promising Carlos Narvaez, is warranted.
Post Treviño’s injury, the Yankees have primarily relied on Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt, but there is increasing dissatisfaction with the current performance.
At 33, Higashioka, or “Higgy,” is considered a below-average defensive catcher and has struggled offensively this year. His time with the Yankees could be nearing its end.
Rortvedt hasn’t impressed, either, hitting a meager .115 with a .258 OBP across 14 games in the MLB.
While Austin Wells has received a significant share of attention, there’s another young prospect who deserves to be in the spotlight.
Wells, known for his lefty bat, has been considered the primary future option, but his defensive skills might be a concern.
Carlos Narvaez, a 24-year-old slugger, is putting together a strong performance with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season.
Narvaez has been hitting .267 with a .393 OBP and a .442 slugging percentage across 51 games in Triple-A. His season includes eight homers, 24 RBIs, a 23.2% strikeout rate, a 16.1% walk rate, and 112 wRC+.
During spring training with the Bombers, Narvaez showcased good at-bats, even hitting a grand slam. He seems to have found his bat with Scranton and appears ready for an MLB opportunity, but the Yankees have hesitated to give him the chance.
Compared to Wells, Narvaez is a better defender behind the plate, allowing only one passed ball this year. His strong arm and solid framing skills promote his qualities as a potential MLB contributor.
It is likely that the Yankees will offer Narvaez another opportunity during spring training in 2024. With Higgy’s potential exit, Narvaez may be the natural successor the Yankees need.
The New York Yankees’ catcher dilemma requires strategic thinking and exploration of untapped potential. Carlos Narvaez is a name that should not be overlooked. His strong Triple-A performance, combined with solid defensive skills, makes him a promising candidate for the MLB.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!