Do you watch baseball to see devastating hits and pitches? Follow the game for some breathtaking catches, too, then. This MLB season has already delivered its fair share of towering home runs and lights-out pitching performances. But amid the fireworks at the plate and the dominance on the mound, it’s the defense that’s starting to steal the spotlight. And that’s where the Red Sox kinda killed it.

Just days after the Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho stunned fans with a jaw-dropping behind-the-back catch, the Red Sox may have upped the ante. Their latest defensive gem isn’t just highlight-reel material, or it might just be the catch of the year. If you haven’t seen the clip yet, prepare to be amazed.

Well, the catch was not just eye-pleasing but also a rare one. A 9-8 putout is one of the rarest you’ll see in baseball. And it speaks volumes about the Red Sox’s athleticism and communication in the outfield.

The moment started with the Tigers’ slugger Kerry Carpenter taking a deep hit poised to be a home run. But Wilyer Abreu had some other plan. He got up and got a glove on Carpenter’s deep drive, just to slip the ball away. And then, Ceddanne Rafaela was right there to snag the deflection. That’s elite-level awareness and positioning.

The catch also showed how the Red Sox have built one of MLB’s most dynamic outfields. Both Abreu and Rafaela are known for their defensive prowess. Abreu for his strong reads and arm in right, and Rafaela for his exceptional range in center. Plays like this don’t just save runs, they follow the tag: Catches win matches.

So, it was not just that Carpenter’s sure-shot home run got robbed off, but the catch might also have been the best catch tag.

Remember Varsho’s catch on Friday against the Mariners. He tracked Ben Williamson’s deep fly ball with poise, gliding back to the warning track, coasting across the dirt, and timing his leap perfectly. Just when it was thought to be missed, he took a backhand catch! Well, now that’s also a home run robbery.

But now, it seems that the Red Sox might have shown better team coordination here.

The Red Sox’s reliability lies elsewhere

While the catch was breathtaking and the Red Sox outfield is also proving ahead of the others, the team’s driving force is at the hot corner. Alex Bregman!

Bregman’s decision to sign with the Red Sox is already paying dividends. Through his first 43 games, the veteran infielder is slashing .314/.381/.567 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs, providing a significant boost to the Red Sox lineup. In addition, he has brought steady defense and veteran leadership to a team looking to stay competitive in the AL East.

If you think of a good competition for Aaron Judge this year, it’s none other than Bregman.

Bregman’s performance at third base has been a cornerstone of Boston’s efforts. You can check that by his 2.4 WAR through 43 games. Let’s see if it is enough to take his team to the playoffs, despite the Red Sox’s 22-23 record and third-place standing in the AL East.

For Bregman, a postseason berth would serve as validation. It is not just his decision to join the Red Sox, but of his role as a central figure in the club’s long-term plans.

Does that mean the Red Sox are all set to fly high? No, at least till their 1B issue persists. Romy Gonzalez was selected as a replacement for the injured Triston Casas, but injury followed. Now, Nick Sogard is hitting from first base, and if yesterday’s game is considered, he started well with 4 at-bats and 1 run. From here, the Red Sox will need to create their gameplay around Bregman, their most reliable force.

So, yeah, they are on the road and they need to move a bit cautiously.