Red Sox Catcher Elects Free Agency After Lackluster Stint In Boston

The Boston Red Sox reportedly lost a rather important -- yet replaceable -- piece of their depth on Tuesday afternoon.

Red Sox catcher Caleb Hamilton has elected free agency according to SoxProspects. The move was clouded by a bigger storyline in the same tweet, as utility man Christian Arroyo is heading for free agency as well. 

Arroyo certainly is the more prominent player departing but Hamilton's absence should be noted.

Hamilton served as the next-man up at the catcher position for most the of season, residing in Triple-A Worcester for nearly the entirety of 2023. 

The 28-year-old was called up to Boston on June 22 in place of Reese McGuire, who injured his oblique. Hamilton was limited to just five at-bats in four games, striking out every time. He was eventually replaced by Jorge Alfaro until McGuire returned.

The career minor leaguer did not fare much better in Triple-A. Hamilton hit .167 with 11 extra-base hits including four home runs, 14 RBIs and a .574 OPS in 42 games.

Hamilton is not a significant loss but his role will need to be filled. The Red Sox do not have an upper minors backstop who can fill in for the Red Sox should McGuire or Connor Wong spend some time on the injured list next season. 

The Red Sox's 2023 first-round pick, catcher Kyle Teel, is exciting and already reached Double-A Portland in just a few short months but he's not a fill-in type. They'll want him to follow a steady trajectory while receiving as many at-bats as possible next season.

Boston will have to add a veteran who is strong defensively to start the season in Worcester and wait for his shot in the big leagues.