During the recent Winter Meetings in Dallas, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed that the team had received several inquiries about its catching depth, an area he viewed as a strength heading into the offseason. While these discussions didn’t guarantee a trade, Cashman acknowledged that one was possible. That possibility came to fruition on Friday evening, as the Yankees struck a deal with the Reds, acquiring hard-throwing right-hander Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino.
Cruz, 34, posted a 3-8 record with a 4.86 ERA in 69 appearances (three starts) for Cincinnati last season. With 109 strikeouts over 66 2/3 innings, Cruz led the Majors with a 14.72 K/9.0 ratio and ranked third in strikeout rate at 37.8%.
In his three seasons with the Reds, Cruz has a 4-11 record with a 4.52 ERA in 141 games (seven starts). Since 2023, his 185 strikeouts as a reliever rank fifth in the Majors, behind only Bryan Abreu (203), Aroldis Chapman (201), Josh Hader (190), and Tanner Scott (188).
Cruz is expected to add another powerful arm to the Yankees’ bullpen, coming just days after the team acquired closer Devin Williams from the Brewers. Luke Weaver will assume a setup role, and the Yankees are anticipating the return of Jonathan Loáisiga from Tommy John surgery around April or May.
Jackson, 28, hit .122 (17-for-139) with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 58 games for the Rays last season. He also threw out 11 of 39 attempted base stealers, a 28.2% rate. In 28 games with Triple-A Durham, Jackson batted .238 (25-for-105) with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.
Over five seasons in the big leagues with the Braves (2019-21), Marlins (2021), Brewers (2022), and Rays (2024), Jackson has a career batting average of .132 (40-for-302), with six home runs and 24 RBIs in 124 games.
Trevino, 32, was a 2022 All-Star and Platinum Glove Award winner with the Yankees, but his playing time decreased last season as Austin Wells emerged as the primary starter behind the plate. In 73 games, Trevino batted .215 (45-for-209) with eight home runs and 28 RBIs.
Although still recognized for his exceptional pitch framing and blocking abilities, Trevino struggled to control the running game, notably allowing nine stolen bases in a single game at Fenway Park in June, which set a Major League record. Overall, he caught just 13 of 70 potential base stealers, a rate of 18.6%.
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