The New York Yankees call-up Carlos Narvaez, a minor league catching prospect.
Carlos Narvaez, who was called up today with Alex Verdugo going on the paternity list, has been playing 1B a bit in the Minors to add flexibility. “He’s special behind the plate,” Aaron Boone said. “He handles the bat well and has some power in there.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) April 29, 2024
New York motioned some roster moves before their game against the Baltimore Orioles. The streaky Alex Verdugo has been placed on the paternity list after he and his family welcomed another child! The Yankees have called up catching prospect Carlos Narvaez to fill the roster spot. The Yankees decided to go with a triple-option behind the plate, charting Austin Wells, Jose Trevino, and now Carlos Narvaez. Narvaez on the roster cards.
Yankees Narvaez’s Background And Minor League Journey
Narvaez has been with the Yankees organization since 2016, signing as an international free agent in 2015. The 25-year-old originates from Maracay, Venezuela. Aside from protecting the backstop, he’s also able to play a bit of first base. Between the years of 2016 to 2019, Narvaez hovered between rookie ball and low-A ball where his development as a catcher took place.
In 2021, Narvaez finally broke into high-A. In two high-A seasons, Narvaez’s performance struggled a tad bit, although the goal was to get him experience. In these two seasons, he saw 304 at-bats where he was able to display his ability to lace the baseball. With his plate approach and aggressiveness combined with discipline and contact approach, Narvaez was ready to see the next level.
Yankees Catcher Carlos Narvaez: Minor League Levels And The Statistics
In 2023, Narvaez touched both ponds in double-A and triple-A. In Somerset double-A, the backstop only saw 60 plate appearances, batting .235. Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders was a far more wholesome showcase. He had 292 at-bats with 359 plate appearances; his average was slightly better at .240, however, some of his power numbers were improved. The Venezuelan prospect hit 10 home runs with 39 RBIs, on 70 hits, scoring 41 times. He put up a .373 on-base percentage and a .387 slugging percentage. After the season, Narvaez took to the Venezuelan Winter League to stay polished; He started the 2024 season back in triple-A.
With a decent on-base percentage, a proven athletic-defensive catcher, and an observed ability to swing the bat with purpose, Narvaez has found himself in the road grays in the big leagues.
Yankees Scouting Synopsis And Analysis On Narvaez
Carlos Narvaez is not the most physical hen in the coup but uses his size productively; he stands 5’11” at 190 lbs and does all from the right side. He has an athletic build and shows agility on the defensive end as well as on the base pads. His swing is very compact but he can length it out to reach the opposite end of the plate. His stance is closed with a good view of the pitcher over the shoulder. The small leg kick with a toe tap times up offerings followed by an aggressive cut, staying inside with the barrel traveling through the zone.
Narvaez is primarily a contact hitter but has shown some streaky above-average power. He can spray the ball but primarily lives on the pull side. The Yankee catcher usually looks fastball in but can protect the corners of the plate.
Narvaez’s offensive success will be based on his approach at the plate and looking to hack at more first-pitch strikes. Defensively Narvaez is gifted. He has smooth hands and a fluid receiving method, giving advantage to his pitchers. His block-ability is good and his ability to move behind the dish is noticeable. He is aggressive with back-picks to both corners and can throw down with a strong arm.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
