Coming off a breakout season in 2024, when Wong experienced offensive growth (13 HR, 24 doubles, .758 OPS), the catcher struggled early following surgery on his left pinky finger in April. Soon after, he lost the starting job to Carlos Narvaez, who is expected to return as the No. 1 backstop. Though Wong improved defensively, his offense took a major step back (.500 OPS, zero HR, 63 games). Despite the down year, the Red Sox were encouraged by a reduced strikeout rate and increased walk rate. Following the season, he underwent more surgery, this time on his right hand. Boston's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said early in the offseason that the catcher was progressing well, and the team signed him to an affordable one-year deal ($1.375 million). Read Past Outlooks