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Yankees Trade Jose Trevino to Reds, Acquire Pitcher Fernando Cruz with 'Nastiest' Splitter

Dec 21, 2024, 03:30 AM

The Cincinnati Reds have acquired catcher Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. The trade was officially announced by both teams. Trevino, an All-Star in 2022, is known as a 'pitch whisperer' for his extensive prep work and exceptional pitch framing abilities. With Trevino due to become a free agent after the 2025 season, the Yankees appear to be moving forward with Austin Wells as their primary catcher. The Yankees save a few million dollars in the deal, which they may redirect elsewhere. Fernando Cruz, 35, is under team control for four more years and posted a 4.86 ERA in 2024 with an impressive 36.1% strikeout rate, ranking sixth among relief pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. Cruz is noted for his exceptional splitter, described as 'one of the nastiest pitches' in baseball, which had a 59.6% whiff rate last season. The Yankees' acquisition of Cruz and Jackson may help bolster their pitching staff and provide depth at catcher.