The Boston Red Sox have added catching depth that many feel they desperately needed. On Jan. 15, the team acquired catcher Blake Sabol from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for international bonus pool money.

The Sox designated right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart for assignment to add Sabol to the 40-man roster. Shugart was a leader in the Worcester clubhouse and had some nice moments in his six major league appearances. Hopefully, no one steals him away from Boston, and they can stash him back in Triple-A.

Sabol joins Connor Wong and Carlos Narvaez, whom Boston acquired from the Yankees on Dec. 11, as the third backstop on the roster. It has been noted since the Garrett Crochet trade sent prospect Kyle Teel to the Chicago White Sox that Boston was in desperate need of catching depth. Sabol, Narvaez and former Mariner Seby Zavala have all been brought in this winter to make up for the loss of Teel, who many expected to become Boston’s go-to catcher after his debut.

Sabol is a catcher, first baseman, and outfielder. He isn’t a defensive wizard, but his versatility will be welcome. He has yet to play first base in the big leagues but appeared there for 21 games in Triple-A last season.

Red Sox acquire catcher Blake Sabol from Giants with international bonus pool money

Sabol has some offensive potential. The left-handed hitter has slashed .243/.313/.392 with 12 doubles and 13 home runs in 121 games in the majors. He’s driven in 45 runs, scored 39 more, and stolen four bases.

Sabol does a few things for the Red Sox. The 27-year-old gives them options as a backup catcher. He also adds depth and versatility. This might not be the move fans were hoping for at the moment (Alex Bregman is still out there), but it was a necessary one.

Boston now has multiple legitimate options behind Wong. This should hold them for 2025, and they now have three players who have shown promise in Triple-A and the major leagues who will get a chance to make a case for a long-term role.

Losing a chunk of international bonus pool money doesn’t Boston hurt too badly, considering the Red Sox have already made a splash in that area. They were also never in the running for Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki, by far the most expensive international free agent in this year’s class.

The Red Sox are likely still looking for their franchise catcher (get healthy and have a big season, please, Johanfran Garcia). However, Sabol adds MLB experience and can help a team win.