Hernández, 27, is joining his third AL East organization after years as a prospect for the Rays and Red Sox. The 27-year-old played for the D-backs’ Triple-A club last year, batting .311/.357/.507 in 237 plate appearances. He’ll probably share time behind the plate in Triple-A once again.

Considered one of the game’s best catching prospects five years ago, Hernández hasn’t impressed enough offensively or defensively in recent seasons to get a shot. The 26-year-old hit .242/.336/.445 for Boston’s Triple-A affiliate last season. He’ll likely go into spring training third or fourth on the D-backs’ catching depth chart.

No one here had a chance of making the Red Sox unless players started getting hurt. There's still some hope that Hernández, 25, could emerge as a solid No. 2 catcher at some point, but he's fourth or fifth on the depth chart at the moment.

The procedural move frees up a spot on the Red Sox' 40-man roster heading into the Winter Meetings and Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old backstop went unclaimed on waivers and will continue to serve as organizational catching depth at Triple-A Worcester in 2023.