The New York Yankees continued their active offseason on Friday night, trading catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. This transaction not only reflects strategic moves for both teams but also highlights the growing emphasis on defensive capabilities within the Reds’ roster.
Trevino, 32, who had previously been named to the All-Star game and won the Gold Glove award, batted .215 with 8 home runs and 28 RBIs during the previous season. His reputation as one of the best defensive catchers is well-known; he posted 21 defensive runs saved (DRS) during the 2022 season, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ success. The catcher’s ability to frame pitches and manage games made him invaluable, especially during key moments when working with ace Gerrit Cole.
Now, as he transitions to the Reds, Trevino is expected to serve as the primary backup to Tyler Stephenson. With the Reds’ previous backup, Luke Maile, leaving the team after they declined his option, acquiring Trevino was pivotal. Reds General Manager Nick Krall expressed confidence in Trevino’s skills, saying, "We haven’t had [a strong backup] in the past; we’ve had guys who are more traditional backups." Trevino’s signing allows Stephenson to focus more on his own hitting, potentially even freeing him up to DH or play first base.
On the flip side, the Yankees aim to shore up their bullpen, which ranked 14th last season with 9.15 strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9). Cruz, age 34, brings experience and depth to the Yankees’ reliever pool. He had previously showcased exceptional strikeout abilities, posting 14.7 K/9 last year. Although he finished with a 4.86 ERA, his FIP was far more impressive at 3.07, indicating he possibly faced challenges from poor defensive support rather than personal performance declines.
Cruz has had quite the odyssey to reach the Yankees, having debuted in MLB relatively late after years spent fighting through various minor leagues and several international clubs. He is seen as not just another pitcher; he possesses one of the game’s most devastating split-finger fastballs which accounted for nearly 42 percent of his pitches last season. His impressive strikeout rate and the strikeout capability are assets the Yankees are betting on to improve their bullpen dynamics.
Jackson, the other player moving to New York, is not as heralded offensively—he batted just .122 last season—but his defensive prowess behind the plate offers depth the Yankees hope to maximize. Having signed Jackson as a minor league free agent, they will look to him to provide backup options as they navigate the upcoming season.
This trade signifies more than mere roster adjustments for both teams; it shows the Reds are serious about improving their defense as they head toward the 2025 season. Cincinnati has struggled defensively, ranking consistently among the bottom teams for defensive metrics like outs above average (OAA) and DRS. By bringing Trevino onboard, coupled with promising second baseman Matt McLain, they aim to rectify past deficiencies.
The importance of having reliable catchers becomes increasingly evident as injuries often plague this position; Trevino’s history of durability and ability to withstand the demanding role of catching may prove beneficial to the Reds. Notably, the Reds head coach Terry Francona will have the task of integrating Trevino effectively alongside Stephenson, fostering both on-field collaboration and competition.
This trade is not merely about welcoming Trevino to Cincinnati. It’s about setting the stage for more significant changes as the Reds work to rebuild their competitive core. It’s the second big trade this offseason for the Reds, demonstrating their commitment to shoring up their team's weaknesses. Whether this revised roster will lead to meaningful on-field success will hinge on how well these parts mesh throughout the upcoming season.
The trade could also shift the dynamics within the American League East; for the Yankees, reconfiguring their pitching staff with Cruz—a man whose captivating story began many years ago—is just part of their strategy to reclaim their title as AL East contenders.
With the winter meetings fast approaching and free agency still open, fans can anticipate more moves from both organizations. The narrative surrounding these trades showcases the necessity of adaptability and strategy as teams shape their futures. Both the Reds and the Yankees are taking calculated risks on players who fit their new strats, signaling shifts not just on their rosters but overall philosophies heading forward.
