Inside The Red Sox

Dodgers Sign 5-Year Veteran Catcher Away From Red Sox

Surprised we didn't hear this name in the majors last year?
Jackson Roberts|
Apr 20, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of a Los Angeles Dodgers batting helmet and bat during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of a Los Angeles Dodgers batting helmet and bat during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Boston Red SoxLos Angeles Dodgers

There was a little bit of attrition at the catching position for the Boston Red Sox last season, but somehow, the five-year big-leaguer they had in Triple-A never got involved.

Seby Zavala joined the Red Sox on a minor-league deal in November of 2024, and he suffered a poorly timed oblique strain in April, just as a spot was opening up on the major league depth chart due to Connor Wong's finger injury.

By the time Zavala was fully healthy again, Carlos Narváez had seized control of the starting catching job, and Zavala never put himself in the conversation for the big leagues with his performance. Now, on the eve of the new season, Zavala's departure from the Red Sox is official.

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Dodgers snag Seby Zavala for spring training

Seby Zavala
Mar 18, 2024; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Seby Zavala against the Texas Rangers during a spring training baseball game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers released their list of spring training non-roster invitees, the club announced it had signed Zavala to a minor-league contract. The 32-year-old will look to win a major league backup job against all odds.

In 67 games for Triple-A Worcester, Zavala batted .165 with 35 hits, including eight home runs, and a meager .614 OPS. It was no wonder that as the summer wore along, the Red Sox turned to an outsider in Ali Sánchez to fill their third catcher spot instead of looking internally.

Boston's Triple-A catching depth chart last season also featured Blake Sabol, Yasmani Grandal, Mark Koloszvary, Chadwick Tromp, and Ronaldo Hernández at various points.

In a five-year major league career with the Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Seattle Mariners, Zavala owns a .205/.271/.342 slash line with 15 home runs and a .613 OPS. He failed to make the postseason roster for Arizona in 2023 when it went to the World Series.

The Red Sox didn't seem to be much of a fit for Zavala, as they re-stocked their Triple-A catching depth chart with the additions of Jason Delay and Matt Thaiss in free agency.

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Jackson Roberts
JACKSON ROBERTS

Jackson Roberts is a former Division III All-Region DH who now writes and talks about sports for a living. A Bay Area native and a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Jackson makes his home in North Jersey. He grew up rooting for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Warriors, and he recently added the Devils to his sports fandom mosaic. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Boston Red Sox On SI, please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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