Reds Trade Fernando Cruz, Alex Jackson to Yankees for Jose Trevino
December 22, 2024
In a move aimed at bolstering their catching depth, the Cincinnati Reds traded reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson to the New York Yankees in exchange for All-Star catcher Jose Trevino on Friday night. Trevino, known for his elite pitch framing and defensive skills, is expected to fill the Reds’ backup catcher role, providing stability behind the plate and offering starting catcher Tyler Stephenson more flexibility.
“It adds another element of versatility to this club that we think can really upgrade the pitching staff,” Reds General Manager Nick Krall told MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon.
Trevino, 31, brings a strong defensive reputation to Cincinnati, with a proven track record of managing pitching staffs and controlling baserunners. His addition addresses a key need for the Reds, who have been seeking to improve their defensive efficiency. The move also allows the team to keep Stephenson’s bat in the lineup more consistently by reducing his workload behind the plate.
The trade, however, sparked mixed reactions among Reds fans online. Fernando Cruz, 34, offered four more years of team control and had been a reliable arm in the bullpen. Meanwhile, Trevino is under contract through 2025, after which he is set to hit free agency.
“We felt there was some scarcity on the catching market,” Krall explained. “The relief market, there’s more people to bolster your bullpen. … It was a tough decision, but with the scarcity in catching, this is something we had to do. If we can add another bullpen piece, that would be ideal.”
The Reds believe the trade significantly improves their defense, a focal point for the team heading into the 2025 season. Krall emphasized that the front office will continue exploring ways to reinforce the bullpen after parting ways with Cruz.
For the Yankees, Cruz adds experience and depth to their relief corps, while Alex Jackson provides additional organizational catching depth.
With spring training on the horizon, the Reds are optimistic that Trevino’s presence will help elevate their pitching staff and strengthen their roster heading into the new season.
