Cora took time during “Fenway Fest” Saturday to commend Boston catcher Connor Wong for his strength training. Boston’s starting catcher has plenty to reaffirm about himself at the position, particularly after top catching prospect Kyle Teel departed for Chicago when the White Sox traded Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox.
“He looks strong,” Cora told reporters. “Shoulders, big legs. Explosive. He’s in a good spot.”
“He’s in tremendous shape,” Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse told NESN.com. “Having the workload he undertook last year, we saw toward the end of the year physically after catching 130-140 games in the big leagues, it takes a toll on you physically. He prides himself on what he does with the pitching staff. Making sure he’s in a position to withstand it. He’s clearly taken advantage of it this offseason.”
Wong’s bat took a step forward in 2024. He hit .280 with 13 home runs and a .758 OPS in 126 games. The next step for that progression with the Red Sox is making that production sustainable.
“It was extremely intentional, the adjustments that were made going into last offseason and through last year,” Fatse added. “I think we all have a better understanding of where he’s at now. The progress moving forward, we expect him to continue to take steps. Him reducing his strikeout rate and putting the ball in play more are obviously things we targeted. I think there’s still a way for him to tap into the impact he has.”
Wong shared offseason goals of maintaining athleticism and defensive improvements in his blocking and receiving abilities. That becomes even more paramount given the quality additions the Red Sox made on the pitching side this winter.
“Lot of eating,” Wong told reporters at Fenway Park. “Just kind of forcing food and trying to put on as much weight as I can. … I think just wanting to be a little more physical. A little more durable. Maybe some wear and tear, but mostly just trying to be a little more physical.”
