During the recent Winter Meetings in Dallas, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman shared that the team had received multiple inquiries regarding its catching depth, which he viewed as a strong area heading into the offseason.
While these discussions didn't guarantee a trade, Cashman noted that they could lead to one. On Friday evening, 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 over 69 appearances (including three starts) for Cincinnati last season. He recorded 109 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings, boasting a remarkable 14.72 K/9.0 ratio, the highest in the majors among pitchers with at least 50 innings. His strikeout rate of 37.8% ranked third overall.
Throughout his three seasons in the majors with the Reds, Cruz has a 4-11 record and a 4.52 ERA across 141 games (seven starts). Since 2023, he has amassed 185 strikeouts as a reliever, ranking fifth in the majors, behind only Bryan Abreu (203), Aroldis Chapman (201), Josh Hader (190), and Tanner Scott (188).
Cruz is expected to bolster the Yankees' bullpen, joining closer Devin Williams, whom the team acquired from the Brewers just days earlier. Luke Weaver will take on a setup role, while the club anticipates the return of Jonathan Loáisiga from Tommy John surgery in April or May.
Jackson, 28, struggled at the plate last season, posting a .122 batting average (17-for-139) with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 58 games for the Rays. He also had a solid defensive showing, successfully throwing out 11 of 39 attempted base stealers (28.2%). In addition to his time in the majors, he played 28 games with Triple-A Durham, where he hit .238 (25-for-105) with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.
Throughout his five-year major league career, which includes stints with the Braves (2019-21), Marlins (2021), Brewers (2022), and Rays (2024), Jackson has recorded a batting average of .132 (40-for-302), with six home runs and 24 RBIs across 124 games.
Trevino, 32, was an All-Star and Platinum Glove Award winner in 2022 with the Yankees, but his playing time decreased last season as Austin Wells emerged as the primary catcher. In 73 games, Trevino hit .215 (45-for-209), contributing eight home runs and 28 RBIs.
Although still recognized for his skills as a pitch framer and blocker, Trevino faced challenges in controlling the running game. This was especially evident during a tough game at Fenway Park in June, where the Red Sox set a Major League record with nine stolen bases against him. Overall, Trevino caught only 13 of 70 potential base stealers, giving him an 18.6% success rate.
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