Yankees Rumors: Troublesome Red Sox buzz surfaces on free agency front

New York Yankees fans have reason to be concerned about the latest free agency buzz involving the Boston Red Sox. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and others have linked Boston to three-time All-Star J.T. Realmuto, who is the best catcher available on the market, even at age 34. 

Realmuto’s offensive numbers last year didn’t amaze (.257 average, .700 OPS, 12 homers), but his defensive value sure hasn’t waned. He ranked first in fastest pop time (1.86 seconds) among MLB catchers in 2025. For comparison’s sake, Boston’s other two catchers ranked 11th (Carlos Narváez) and 33rd (Connor Wong), respectively.

But are the Red Sox really in the hunt for Realmuto? Certain pundits doubt the likelihood of a union, including MLB Network's Harold Reynolds. “I’d be surprised, but then again, I was surprised last year (when) they went and got (Alex) Bregman when they had (Rafael) Devers at third, so they could do anything," Reynolds said.

Reynolds also suggested that Realmuto is at the point in his career where winning is the highest priority, as he’s already made a ton of money.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal calls J.T. Realmuto a great fit with the Red Sox

Rosenthal asserts that Realmuto would really work in Boston. Providing further context on an article he wrote along with The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey linking Realmuto to the Red Sox (subscription required), Rosenthal pointed out that Realmuto could pair well with Narváez (who is injury-prone) because Realmuto could also get at-bats for the Red Sox as a DH.

"He's a right-handed bat," Rosenthal said. "They need that. He's a leader. They need that. And he is still a highly-regarded catcher."

Rosenthal clarified that he does not see a Realmuto-Red Sox outcome as likely, but that the Phillies would be foolish to sleep on Realmuto's market if they are interested in bringing him back. At the end of the day, Philadelphia’s priority to retain Kyle Schwarber this offseason (and pay Schwarber big money to do so) may get in the way of its ability to retain Realmuto. This is good news for Realmuto's other suitors.

With the Yankees still reeling from watching former Red Sox CBO Chaim Bloom collaborate with Boston on a Sonny Gray trade, New York might be shuddering to imagine what comes next for the Red Sox.

The Yankees would do much to keep their anxiety at bay by attacking the free-agent and trade markets themselves. Just because the Red Sox have beaten New York to the punch early does not at all mean they will have the last laugh this winter.