Marlon Byrd was with the Texas Rangers in 2007 when they dealt Mark Teixeira to the Atlanta Braves for a package of prospects that included Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Saltalamacchia, then 22, joined the Rangers right away and drove in two runs in his first game.

“What wasn’t to like? That was my first impression,’’ Byrd said. “Big catcher, a switch-hitter, good arm. He had everything you wanted.

“He was there because he belonged there. Salty looked like a special player, somebody who was going to be an All-Star.’’

It never happened. Saltalamacchia was a disappointment to the Rangers, his promising career sidetracked by injuries and inconsistency. For his part, Saltalamacchia felt misled and the relationship between player and team grew toxic.

Byrd and Saltalamacchia were teammates for parts of three seasons. They joined up again in April when the Red Sox traded for Byrd.

Now, nearly five years later, Byrd knew he was right all along.

Saltalamacchia has become a key figure in the revival of the Red Sox, a presence behind the plate and in the middle of the lineup. After a slow start, the Sox have won 24 of their last 40 games with Saltalamacchia hitting .284 with nine homers and 23 RBIs in that stretch.

“I’m glad I’ve got him,’’ manager Bobby Valentine said. “Look around the league and there aren’t too many better than he is.’’

Among American League catchers with at least 125 plate appearances, Saltalamacchia has the highest OPS (.867), the most home runs (10), and the second most doubles (10).

He’s in the top five in batting average (.265) and RBIs (25).

Saltalamacchia has established himself with a pitching staff full of strong personalities, ranging from ornery Texan Josh Beckett to wild cards such as Alfredo Aceves.

On a team with a constantly changing roster, a new manager, and a new general manager, Saltalamacchia is one of the cornerstones.