The Yankees and Boston Red Sox both recognized Carlos Narvaez ’s potential as an MLB catcher.

But the managers of both teams acknowledge they didn’t envision Narvaez hitting quite like this.

Narvaez was the Red Sox’s cleanup hitter for Friday night’s series opener in the Bronx — his first trip there since the Yankees traded him to Boston in December.

Known for his defense, Narvaez has exceeded expectations at the plate, entering Friday with a .288 average, five home runs and an .812 OPS.

“This is obviously a really talented catcher, and a smart guy with an amazing head on his shoulders, amazing person, so not surprised by his success,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

“The level offensively — that he’s been this good, this early — maybe that’s caught me off [guard] a little b

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