Dodgers Sign 5-Year Veteran Catcher Away From Red Sox

Seby Zavala joins the Dodgers on a minor-league deal after struggling in the Red Sox system.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed veteran catcher Seby Zavala to a minor-league contract. Zavala spent the 2025 season in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, batting just .165 with a .614 OPS in 67 games for Triple-A Worcester. The 32-year-old has 5 years of major league experience with the White Sox, Diamondbacks, and Mariners, but has struggled to establish himself at the big league level, posting a career .205/.271/.342 slash line.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are always looking to add depth to their roster, especially at key positions like catcher. Zavala will get a chance to compete for a backup job in spring training, and the move represents an opportunity for the veteran to revive his MLB career after failing to break through with the Red Sox.

The details

Zavala joined the Red Sox on a minor-league deal in November 2024, but suffered an oblique injury in April 2025 just as a spot was opening up on the major league roster. By the time he was healthy, the Red Sox had settled on Carlos Narváez as their starting catcher, and Zavala never forced his way into the conversation. The Red Sox added more catching depth over the offseason, making Zavala expendable.

  • Zavala joined the Red Sox on a minor-league deal in November 2024.
  • In April 2025, Zavala suffered an oblique injury just as a spot was opening up on the Red Sox major league roster.
  • By the time Zavala was healthy again, the Red Sox had settled on Carlos Narváez as their starting catcher.

The players

Seby Zavala

A 32-year-old catcher with 5 years of major league experience, most recently in the Boston Red Sox minor league system.

Connor Wong

A Red Sox catcher who suffered a finger injury in 2025, opening up a spot on the major league depth chart.

Carlos Narváez

The Red Sox starting catcher in 2025 after Zavala was unable to seize the opportunity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Zavala will compete for a backup catcher job with the Dodgers in spring training.

The takeaway

The Dodgers are taking a low-risk flier on a veteran catcher who has struggled to establish himself at the major league level, providing Zavala with an opportunity to revive his career in a new organization.