When the New York Yankees acquired Fernando Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds, they added significant swing-and-miss stuff to their bullpen, but it came at the expense of catching depth.
In the trade, they sent veteran catcher Jose Trevino to Cincinnati. Trevino, an All-Star and Platinum Glove winner in 2022, saw his 2023 season derailed by injuries before settling into a backup role behind AL Rookie of the Year finalist Austin Wells in 2024. While the Yankees did bring in another catcher, Alex Jackson, through the trade, he is far from a guaranteed fit as the primary backup in 2025.
So, who might step into that role? Before exploring the top names still available on the market, here is a quick look at the internal candidates within the Yankees’ organization:
Alex Jackson
Jackson, 29, spent the 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, appearing in 58 games before being designated for assignment in September. Drafted sixth overall in 2014, Jackson was initially touted for his raw power and hitting ability, not his defense. But in the major leagues, the results have been the complete opposite.
In five MLB seasons, Jackson has accumulated 340 plate appearances, posting a .132/.224/.232 line with an alarming 41.8% strikeout rate. However, he has become a more reliable defender, particularly as a framer, and his overall defensive game has improved. Jackson boasts a .990 fielding percentage and has thrown out 29% of base stealers over 818.2 MLB innings.
Ben Rice
Rice, who will turn 26 in February, was originally developed as a catcher but transitioned to first base in the minors. That shift proved valuable when he was pressed into service at first base for the Yankees following Anthony Rizzo’s arm fracture. In his first 50 MLB games, the left-handed hitting rookie posted a .171/.264/.349 line with seven home runs and 23 RBI.
During that stint, Rice played 349 innings at first base and just one inning behind the plate. However, with the Yankees signing Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, Rice’s most viable path to playing time in 2025, barring injury, could be at catcher.
“I’m always going to be a catcher at heart,” Rice told NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera shortly after his debut in July. “I’m always willing to go back (behind the plate) if they need it, but right now we’re prioritizing first base.”