In a move that bolsters their catching depth heading into the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Reds have acquired veteran catcher Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. The deal, announced on Friday, addresses an immediate need for the Reds while giving Trevino a fresh start with a new organization.
A Defensive Specialist Behind the Plate
Trevino, 32, is best known for his elite defense behind the plate. Though his offensive numbers have been inconsistent, he is widely regarded as one of the better defensive catchers in baseball, earning an All-Star selection and a Gold Glove in 2022 as a member of the Yankees. In his seven seasons in the majors, Trevino has built a reputation for his framing skills, ability to control the running game, and leadership qualities.
At the plate, Trevino has been a serviceable hitter but nothing spectacular. In 2023, he batted .215 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 74 games for the Yankees. His role became more limited as the season progressed, with rookie Austin Wells taking over behind the plate for New York. With Trevino now joining the Reds, he is likely to serve as a solid backup and defensive complement to Tyler Stephenson, who is coming off a breakout year.
Reds’ Catching Depth
The Reds already have a promising young backstop in Tyler Stephenson, who established himself as a key player in the team’s lineup in 2023. The 28-year-old hit .258 with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs, showcasing both power and consistency. Stephenson’s bat and development as a well-rounded catcher make him a key fixture in the Reds’ long-term plans.
However, the addition of Trevino provides Cincinnati with an experienced and defensively sound option behind the plate. The Reds’ catching corps now has a nice balance: a young, promising starter in Stephenson and a veteran defensive specialist in Trevino, providing depth and stability.
What the Reds Give Up
In exchange for Trevino, the Reds sent Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson to New York.
Fernando Cruz struggled with consistency out of the Reds’ bullpen in 2023, finishing with a 4.86 ERA in 69 appearances. While he struck out 109 batters in 66 2/3 innings, Cruz struggled with command at times, leading to an up-and-down season. Despite his struggles, Cruz’s high strikeout rate and the potential to improve make him an intriguing piece for the Yankees’ bullpen moving forward.
Alex Jackson, on the other hand, has yet to establish himself as a consistent major league hitter. The 29-year-old catcher spent the majority of 2023 with Tampa Bay, batting just .122 with three home runs in 58 games. After signing a minor league deal with Cincinnati, Jackson provides the Yankees with a depth option behind the plate, though his major league future remains uncertain.
Trevino’s Role with the Reds
With Trevino’s acquisition, the Reds now have a reliable veteran presence in the clubhouse and behind the plate. While it’s clear that Tyler Stephenson remains the primary catcher, Trevino’s glove and experience could be invaluable in certain situations, particularly when it comes to managing Cincinnati’s young pitchers and providing leadership during high-leverage moments.
Trevino’s defensive prowess will also be beneficial in late-game situations, where his ability to frame pitches and work with a pitching staff could pay immediate dividends. Reds fans can expect to see him as a defensive replacement, pinch hitter, or part of a timeshare with Stephenson in 2024.
Looking Ahead
For the Reds, the move provides solid depth and an upgrade in defensive metrics, particularly when it comes to handling pitchers and controlling the running game. The Reds’ pitching staff, which includes young arms like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft, will undoubtedly benefit from Trevino’s framing and game-calling skills.
The acquisition of Trevino signals that the Reds are serious about building a team that can compete in the NL Central, where they finished third in 2023. Adding a steady presence behind the plate while maintaining a promising young core gives them more flexibility as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
While Trevino may not provide the same offensive firepower as some other top-tier catchers, his leadership, experience, and elite defense make him a valuable addition to the Reds. With Tyler Stephenson locked in as the primary catcher, Trevino will complement him perfectly, offering a reliable option for late innings and managing the Reds’ pitching staff. The trade also signals that Cincinnati is focused on solidifying all aspects of their roster as they continue their push to become a postseason contender in the near future.
For the Yankees, the deal allows them to clear some space while adding depth behind the plate, and for the Reds, it represents another step toward becoming a more complete team. The battle for the starting catcher job is not over, but it’s clear that Trevino brings exactly what the Reds need to round out their roster and solidify their pitching staff heading into 2024.
