Yankees’ Carlos Narvaez Brings A Lot To The Table

As Carlos Narvaez was establishing himself as one of the best defensive catchers in the Yankees’ system last year at High-A Hudson Valley, his bat was seemingly lagging behind

The 24-year-old Venezuelan backstop had changed the narrative this season at Double-A Somerset. Narvaez still threw out basestealers at a quality rate—31% through 11 games—but his bat was markedly better.

After hitting .194 last season, Narvaez opened 2023 by hitting .250/.368/.479 with two home runs through 15 games.

With injuries this spring to both Austin Wells and Josh Breaux affecting the catching depth in the system, it was perhaps fortuitous that Narvaez was promoted. But the cousin of Mets catcher Omar Narvaez has made the most of the move up to the next level.

“I think last year, the numbers weren’t what I wanted,” Narvaez said, “but with some of the other numbers like contact quality and homers (a career high 11), it was one of the best years for me . . .

“This year, I’m so focused on my defense, that when I’m in the box it takes away pressure. I don’t feel that pressure anymore. Of course, I want to hit, but if not, I’m going to be good behind the plate to win the game.”

Even with a walk-off homer in big league spring training that opened eyes, Narvaez knows that his ticket to join his cousin in MLB is his work behind the plate.

There was perhaps no greater compliment offered than that from Somerset catcher Anthony Seigler, a 2018 first-rounder who is competing with Narvaez to take the next step to Triple-A.

“You saw it in big league spring training. He’s got it all,” Seigler said.  “His catching is outstanding. I think (he’s) one of the best in our organization after (Jose) Trevino. He’s got soft hands, can throw anybody out, he’s quick behind there and calls a really good game.

“Hitting, he’s a dog at the plate. He can hit the ball wherever he wants to every part of the field. He can hit for power. He can hit for average. He’s going to bring a lot to the table.”