It isn’t much of a secret that the Dodgers won the Mookie Betts trade in 2020. Los Angeles got Betts, extended him, and won the World Series in an eleven-month span. Still today, the superstar is one of the best players in baseball. But that doesn’t mean that Boston didn’t come away with any valuable pieces. Red Sox catcher Connor Wong was one of three players the organization received in return for Betts, RHP David Price, and cash. While it may have taken a little while to develop, Wong is proving important value for Boston. And he’s providing positives from the Mookie Betts deal four years later.
Connor Wong Providing Positives In 2024
Connor Wong entered 2024 with just 159 MLB games under his belt. Last year was the first time the catcher saw consistent playing time. He ended 2023 with a .235 average, nine homers, and 36 RBI in 126 contests. His .673 OPS put Wong at just an 80 OPS+, leaving him with subpar numbers compared to competitors. But in little time this season, Connor Wong is on pace to blow those numbers out of the water.
As of May 27, Wong has appeared in 36 of Boston’s 54 games. In just a short amount of time, he’s blossomed into one of the Red Sox’s most dependable players. Wong is batting a strong .333 in 2024 while also posting a .855 OPS. Both of those numbers prove a stark difference from 2023. That reigns even further true when looking at his power statistics. Wong’s five bombs are already more than half of his total last season. And his 18 RBI represent exactly 50% of his number last campaign.
Connor Wong CRUSHED this one to tie it! pic.twitter.com/8GExBI5gt7
— MLB (@MLB) April 12, 2024
Wong’s Monster Performances
Wong has taken a massive step forward. In just 30% of the games, he’s already beginning to inch close to his career-best numbers from 2023. Wong is doing it in style with eye-popping performances. He had a blistering start to the year, beginning with hits in four consecutive contests. By Wong’s 13th game, he already had five multi-knock contests. And on April 24 against Cleveland, he had arguably the best game of his career. Wong recorded a hit in all four of his at-bats, smacked two homers, had 3 RBI, and was hit by a pitch. His average quickly rose from .320 to .370 in just a day.
Since that matchup, Wong hasn’t hit a bomb. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been effective. He’s still batting over .300 since the two-homer contest and had another four-hit game against the Cardinals on May 17. Wong had just one double at the end of April. He now has five just 19 games later. Amongst all MLB catchers, Wong is second in batting average and top-ten in OPS. And out of all Boston hitters, he ranks fourth behind Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Rafael Devers in WAR.
THE YEAR OF CONNOR WONG CONTINUES! pic.twitter.com/E7SHAgmKvN
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) May 23, 2024
Wong’s Defense Paying Dividends
Sure, Connor Wong has been extremely impressive at the plate in 2024. But it’s not the only place he is providing value. Behind the plate, he already has 17 assists and has thrown out six runners. Wong’s arm is a massive weapon for Boston. He ranks eighth amongst all catchers in average throw speed (82.3 mph). On May 12 against the Washington Nationals, Wong showed that off when he single-handedly ended the game by gunning a runner out at second base.
CONNOR WONG CALLED GAME!
ANOTHER LASER THROW! HIS THIRD OF THE DAY! pic.twitter.com/MwsOB9sOZh
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) May 12, 2024
Wong hasn’t just played behind the plate, though. His versatility has also led him to appear at first and second base. Although Wong has only played four games in the field outside of catcher, his ability to play elsewhere has helped Boston in times of need. The Red Sox have been torn apart by injuries this season, and even a few appearances across the field can take the load off a ballclub as they search for long-term answers. His impact is behind the plate, but his athleticism led him to three infield spots.
Connor Wong’s Impact
As mentioned, Wong was one of three players the Red Sox received in the Mookie Betts to Los Angeles deal. Outfielder Alex Verdugo and infield prospect Jeter Downs were also sent to Boston with Wong. Downs, touted as a strong prospect, never really helped the Red Sox at the big-league level. In just 14 games, he batted .154 and recorded just six hits. In December of 2022, Boston designated Downs for assignment. Washington claimed him, made a brief MLB appearance in 2023, and now plays in the New York Yankees farm system.
Verdugo was a big help for Boston between 2020 and 2023, appearing in 493 games for the Red Sox. He put together four strong campaigns, batting .280 or better in three. His OPS+ was 100 or above in all four seasons at Fenway Park. Verdugo was one of the staples of Boston’s outfield until his departure before the 2024 season. The 28-year-old was traded to New York in exchange for three minor league pitchers last December. In 52 games for the Yankees, Verdugo is batting .261 with seven homers, 28 RBI, and a .755 OPS.
Wong and Verdugo represent the two Red Sox from the trade that actually made an impact in MLB. If Wong keeps his current season up, it’ll eclipse any year that Verdugo had in a Boston uniform. Obviously, that’s depending on the catcher staying consistent and avoiding injury. But in an age where the Red Sox have needed strong bats and solid defense, Connor Wong is providing positives for Boston from the Mookie Betts deal.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
