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Red Sox Sign 7-Year MLB Veteran Catcher to Minor-League Deal
Matt Thaiss joins the Red Sox organization after stints with the Angels, White Sox, and Rays.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:31am
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The Boston Red Sox have reportedly signed 30-year-old catcher Matt Thaiss to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training. Thaiss, a former first-round pick, is a seven-year MLB veteran who spent time with the Angels, White Sox, and Rays last season.
Why it matters
The Red Sox were in the market for catching depth this offseason after Carlos Narváez wore down as the starter and Connor Wong struggled offensively. Thaiss, a left-handed hitter, could provide competition for the backup catcher job and potentially push for playing time at the MLB level.
The details
Thaiss was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 32nd round in 2013 but opted to attend the University of Virginia, where he won a national championship in 2015. He was then selected in the first round by the Angels in 2016. Last season, Thaiss accrued 1.2 bWAR in 60 games split between the White Sox and Rays, his most productive MLB campaign to date.
- The Red Sox signed Thaiss on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
- Spring training for the 2026 MLB season is less than two weeks away as of the signing.
The players
Matt Thaiss
A 30-year-old catcher who has spent seven seasons in the major leagues with the Angels, White Sox, and Rays.
Carlos Narváez
The Red Sox's starting catcher last season who broke out as a rookie but visibly wore down over the course of the year.
Connor Wong
The Red Sox's backup catcher last season who had one of the worst offensive seasons of any catcher in recent team history.
What they’re saying
“Signing Thaiss is about as clear a sign as is possible that Wong's job is not safe.”
— Andrew Parker, Reporter
What’s next
The Red Sox will have to decide whether to start the season with Thaiss on the major league roster or keep him in the minors, with Connor Wong's status potentially hanging in the balance.
The takeaway
The Red Sox are clearly looking to upgrade their catching depth this offseason, and the addition of veteran Matt Thaiss on a minor-league deal provides them with another experienced option to compete for playing time behind the plate.
