The New York Yankees have long utilized a platoon strategy for the catcher position, but this season, they boast one of the game’s top talents behind the plate in 31-year-old Jose Trevino. Known for his defensive prowess, Trevino leads all of baseball with six catcher-framing runs from 1058 pitches this season and boasts the fourth-best strike rate at 51%, making him a standout in both metrics.
Yankees’ Catcher Jose Trevino Steps Up in 2024
Trevino’s reputation as an elite defender is well-established, but it is his offensive improvement that has caught attention this year. After a solid 2022 season, his first with the Yankees, where he hit .248 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs over 115 games, Trevino is on track to surpass those numbers in 2024.
Currently, he is batting .271 with a .319 on-base percentage and a .434 slugging percentage, including seven homers and 24 RBIs. He’s on pace to set career highs in both power categories, underscored by a 14.1% strikeout rate and a wRC+ of 114, indicating he’s performing 14% better than the average MLB hitter.
While Trevino shines, his teammate Austin Wells is also making strides. Wells has accumulated three catcher-framing runs and maintains a 49.1% strike rate this season. Although these are solid numbers, they do not quite reach Trevino’s level of efficiency.
Yet, Wells shows promise, especially with his power from the left side of the plate. Despite a current batting average of .207 and a .296 OBP, his expected batting average of .259 suggests some bad luck at play. As Wells adjusts and begins to pull the ball with more power, improvements in his home run totals are anticipated.
Both Trevino and Wells rank among the top in catcher framing runs and strike rates, demonstrating the depth of talent the Yankees have at catcher. This is further bolstered by the promising development of Agustin Ramirez in the minors, who is touted as a potential generational hitter for the position.
With Trevino contracted through 2026 and Wells in his rookie year, the Yankees are well-positioned with a dynamic catching duo. This depth provides the team with flexibility and strength at a critical position, reinforcing their status as one of the teams with an embarrassment of riches in their roster composition.
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