As spring training entered its final weeks, the Yankees’ catching situation drew some attention. While Kyle Higashioka was an attacking stallion this spring, there are still many who question his worth over the course of an entire season. Recently acquired Ben Rortvedt has been battling a crooked injury at camp and has yet to play a real game this spring. Just days before the start of the season, the Yankees struck a deal with the Texas Rangers to increase their fishing depth, signing Jose Trevino, who joins the organization with a strong defensive reputation.
Trevino does not have a dynamic offensive profile and only scored 64 wRC+ in 2021. His offensive performance, well below league averages, also shows how valuable he is on the defensive side of the ball, as he still recorded 0.6 fWAR in 89 games with Rangers last year.
The Yankees have repeatedly shown they value pitch framing as a key factor for their catchers, and Trevino is one of the best in the game at that skill. He was the 96th percentile of MLB catchers in 2021 for pitch framing metrics.
Another key factor for Trevino is that he still has a minor league option should the Yankees need roster flexibility in the near future. With Rortvedt on the mend, the Yankees would have looked to Rob Brantly as their backup catcher, who not only lacks Trevino’s (or Higashioka’s) pitch-framing credentials, but is also out of options.
The Yankees are leaving helper Albert Abreu, who has been with the organization since they sold Brian McCann to the Astros ahead of the 2017 season. Because of his electric arm, he was at times considered one of the best prospects in the Yankees system. Unfortunately, things never worked out for Abreu as a starter, and he’s been moved to a full-time back-up role in recent seasons.
Abreu was now out of options and was a solid option to start with the Yankees when the season started with a 28-man roster, but the team would likely find themselves in a difficult position with him once the rosters settled down, too Standard had compacted 26 players just a few weeks into the season.
The Yankees also switched their seventh-round pick of 2021, left-handed pitcher Robert Ahlstrom. The University of Oregon product was known for his competitiveness and excellent command, and was considered by some to be a sleeper who could move quickly through the system. Though it’s a loss to the system, the Yankees are acting from a position of depth — pitching at the Class A level to fill an immediate need.
Trevino gives the Yankees immediate depth behind the plate as they head into the upcoming season. Like the other catching options the Yankees have in the house, it’s not a bet to smash the ball, but it understands and excels at the nuanced part of the catching game that’s become increasingly appreciated for its value in recent years.