Red Sox Catcher Delayed Knee Surgery to Help Team Make Playoffs

Carlos Narváez played through pain for months to contribute to Red Sox's postseason run

Feb. 11, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez reveals he delayed knee surgery for months in order to help the team make the postseason. Narváez was originally scheduled to have surgery in July but begged the team to let him keep playing, knowing the Red Sox had a chance at the playoffs. He played through pain and discomfort for the final two months of the season, catching 112 of the team's 118 regular season games.

Why it matters

Narváez's willingness to play through injury to help his team make the playoffs shows his dedication and commitment to the Red Sox. His selfless actions were crucial to the team's success, as the Red Sox went on to make the postseason. This story highlights the lengths professional athletes will go to in order to contribute to their team's goals.

The details

Narváez was originally scheduled to have knee surgery in July to repair a meniscus issue. However, he pleaded with the Red Sox training staff to let him keep playing, knowing the team had a chance at making the playoffs. The training staff agreed, and Narváez endured daily treatment and pain management to keep playing. Despite the discomfort, he led the majors in caught-stealing and assists as the Red Sox's starting catcher.

  • Narváez was originally scheduled to have knee surgery in July 2026.
  • Narváez delayed the surgery and played through the final two months of the 2026 regular season.

The players

Carlos Narváez

The Red Sox's starting catcher who delayed knee surgery for months to help the team make the playoffs.

Red Sox

The Major League Baseball team that Narváez played for and helped make the postseason despite his injury.

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What they’re saying

“I talked to them and said, 'Let's work together to make (playing) happen.' The amazing group that we had, I knew we were getting ready for a postseason, and I just felt my team needed (me). I said, 'Please help me to get through to the end.' … They trusted me.”

— Carlos Narváez, Red Sox Catcher

“Always, hopefully, my whole career is going to be like that. You're always going to feel something, but no pain is enough. If you want to, pull me off the field, but I'm never gonna get off the field.”

— Carlos Narváez, Red Sox Catcher

What’s next

Narváez is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 MLB season after undergoing knee surgery in October.

The takeaway

Narváez's willingness to play through pain and delay necessary surgery shows the lengths professional athletes will go to in order to help their team succeed. His selfless actions were crucial to the Red Sox's playoff run and highlight the dedication and commitment of elite-level competitors.