Boston general manager Ben Cherington ultimately optioned Lavarnway to Triple-A, keeping Ross and Saltalamacchia as his major league catching staff for the 2013 season. The season turned out to be the most offensively impressive of Saltalamacchia's career, as he set new career highs with a .273 batting average, a .338 OBP, a .466 slugging percentage, 68 runs scored, 40 doubles, 65 RBIs, and 43 walks. Saltalamacchia also helped take the Red Sox to the postseason for the first time since he joined the team, both through his own offensive performance and by helping to coach the Red Sox' young pitching staff.
Ben Cherington's decision to send Lavarnway to Triple-A while keeping Ross and Saltalamacchia as the primary catchers for the 2013 season was a strategic move that ultimately benefited the Red Sox.  Saltalamacchia's strong offensive performance in 2013 helped the team reach the postseason, both through his own hitting and by mentoring the young pitching staff.