Yankees Acquire Cruz and Jackson from Reds in Trade for Trevino
The New York Yankees announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino.
Cruz, 34, posted a 3-8 record with a 4.86 ERA (66.2 IP, 54 H, 36 R/ER, 35 BB, 109 K, 9 HR) over 69 appearances (three starts) with the Reds in 2024. Among MLB pitchers who threw at least 50 innings, Cruz ranked first in strikeouts per 9 innings with 14.72 and third in strikeout rate at 37.8%. His 95 strikeouts as a reliever were the third-most in the National League and tied for 10th-most in the majors.
In his three MLB seasons with the Reds (2022-24), Cruz has posted a 4-11 record with a 4.52 ERA (147.1 IP, 115 H, 78 R/ER, 72 BB, 228 K, 16 HR) across 141 games (seven starts). He has been particularly effective against right-handed batters, limiting them to a .187/.270/.319 (58-for-310) batting line.
Since 2023, Fernando Cruz has recorded 185 strikeouts as a reliever, ranking fifth among Major League relievers in that span, behind only Bryan Abreu (203 K), Aroldis Chapman (201 K), JoshHader (190 K), and Tanner Scott (188 K)
.
A native of Baymón, P.R., Cruz was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft and was signed by the Reds to a minor league contract on January 27, 2022.
Alex Jackson, 28, hit .122 (17-for-139) with 17 runs, 7 doubles, 3 home runs, 12 RBIs, 12 walks, and 1 stolen base in 58 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. Behind the plate, he threw out 11 of 39 (28.2%) attempted base stealers. Jackson also played 28 games with Triple-A Durham, batting .238 (25-for-105) with 17 runs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 8 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 12 walks.
Alex Jackson, a right-handed batter, has posted a career .132 average (40-for-302) with 30 runs, 12 doubles, 6 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 26 walks in 124 games over five Major League seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2019-21), Miami Marlins (2021), Milwaukee Brewers (2022), and Tampa Bay Rays (2024). A native of San Diego, Calif., Jackson was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. He signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds on November 5, 2024.
Jose Trevino, 32, batted .215 (45-for-209) with 26 runs, 5 doubles, 8 home runs, 28 RBIs, and 20 walks in 74 games with the Yankees in 2024. Over seven Major League seasons with the Texas Rangers (2018-21) and Yankees (2022-24), Trevino has hit .236 (281-for-1,190) with 131 runs, 52 doubles, 1 triple, 32 home runs, 141 RBIs, and 61 walks in 400 career games. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, he was drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Oral Roberts University. Trevino was acquired by the Yankees from Texas in exchange for right-hander Albert Abreu and left-hander Robert Ahlstrom on April 2, 2022.
Reports indicate that the Yankees initially considered Nolan Arenado “not a fit” for their roster next season. However, needs often evolve, and Arenado could be a strong addition as a Gold Glove third baseman, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to his natural position at second base.
Arenado’s offensive performance dipped in 2024, as the eight-time All-Star hit just 16 home runs for the Cardinals, the fewest of his career since his rookie season in 2013. This power decline resulted in a .719 OPS and 71 RBIs, both career lows for a full season since 2014.
Despite the downturn, Arenado was named an All-Star in 2023, posting a solid .266/.315/.459 slash line with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs. There’s potential for a rebound, and joining a contending team could help revive his bat.
If the Yankees were to acquire both Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, their infield would be set with Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and Chisholm rounding out the rest of the diamond.
Nolan Arenado’s Potential Move to Yankees: Is He a Fit for Next Season?
Nolan Arenado’s potential move to the Yankees has sparked considerable interest, and while the team initially viewed him as “not a fit” for their roster, circumstances could shift. Arenado’s elite defense at third base could be a key asset for the Yankees, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift back to his natural position at second base. While his offensive numbers took a dip in 2024, with just 16 home runs and a .719 OPS, his All-Star performance in 2023 suggests there could still be plenty of life left in his bat. A change of scenery and competing for a contending team like the Yankees might help him return to form. If the Yankees were to acquire Arenado alongside Paul Goldschmidt, their infield would be solidified, with Arenado’s Gold Glove defense complementing a potent lineup. The question remains: can Arenado rebound offensively and fit into the Yankees’ long-term plans? The potential for a strong bounce-back season could make this an intriguing option for the team.