A subtle change helping Yankees’ Jose Trevino to flourish

In a surprising twist, the Yankees have found an unexpected offensive spark from an unlikely source – their catcher, Jose Trevino. While many anticipated that rookie sensation Austin Wells would be the primary contributor behind the plate, Jose Trevino has been turning heads with his impressive performance. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, the veteran catcher has been a revelation at the plate, hitting a robust .293 with a 125 OPS-plus through his first 25 games.

His offensive surge was punctuated by a two-homer performance in Sunday’s victory over the Rays, solidifying his status as a key contributor to the Yankees’ early-season success. As the team heads into a crucial series against the Twins, Jose Trevino’s unexpected offensive output has been a welcome addition to an already potent lineup.

Jose Trevino’s two-way contribution to Yankees’ headstart

“Trevy continues to do it on both sides,” an elated manager Aaron Boone said.

The Yankees have always prioritized defense and the ability to manage a pitching staff when it comes to their catchers. Jose Trevino has excelled in this regard, earning praise from his battery mates and establishing himself as one of the top pitchframers in the league.

Hit, Hit, Jose! 💥💥

Presented by @Delta pic.twitter.com/tEaBmCXeGj

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 13, 2024

However, any offensive contributions from the catcher position would be a welcome bonus for an already potent Yankees lineup. After a slow start to the season, Jose Trevino has caught fire over his last 19 games, entering Tuesday’s action with a .368 batting average, .972 OPS, and a minuscule three strikeouts during that span. If he can maintain this level of production at the plate, the Yankees catcher will solidify his role as a stalwart behind the plate while providing an unexpected source of depth to an already formidable offense.

“Just having a plan of attack and going out there and executing it,” the backstop said.

Jose Trevino’s offensive resurgence this season has been nothing short of remarkable. In just 25 games, he has already matched his home run total from the previous year, when he played 55 games.

Additionally, his 14 RBIs are just one shy of his entire 2023 production. Last season, Jose Trevino struggled at the plate, hitting a meager .210 with a 56 OPS-plus before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery in July to address an injury that had plagued him since spring training of that year.

Now fully healthy, Jose Trevino has also demonstrated improved plate discipline. Entering Tuesday’s game, his chase rate sat at 26.2 percent, well below the league average of 28.4 percent and a significant improvement from his 37.3 percent in 2023 and 40 percent in 2022, as per Baseball Savant. This newfound selectivity at the plate has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive offensive output.

Manager Aaron Boone is in awe of Jose Trevino’s enhanced plate discipline, highlighting his ability to lay off pitches outside the strike zone. This improvement has been a key factor in the backstop’s success, as he has consistently capitalized on favorable counts and maintained a steady approach at the plate.

Boone also noted that Jose Trevino’s focus on driving the ball up the middle has allowed him to take advantage of pitchers’ mistakes, resulting in an increase in home runs. The catcher’s growth and development have not gone unnoticed by his manager, who sees Trevino’s progress as a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Jose Trevino, who boasts an impressive .316 batting average with runners in scoring position, attributes his enhanced plate discipline to a dedicated and extensive process of hard work. According to him, this improvement was not an overnight transformation but rather the result of diligent effort and focus. His approach centers on identifying pitches he can drive and refining his selection process at the plate. By concentrating on his strengths and honing his skills, the catcher has become a reliable offensive contributor in clutch situations for the Yankees.

“It didn’t come overnight,” he said. “Just trying to hone in on my pitches and whatever else I want to hit.”

The Yankees’ catching duo has proven to be a successful arrangement thus far, with manager Aaron Boone strategically selecting the starting catcher based primarily on the matchup against the opposing team’s starting pitcher.

This approach has allowed the right-handed hitting Jose Trevino to remain well-rested and take advantage of favorable matchups, including starting against all but one left-handed starter the Yankees have encountered this season.

On the other hand, rookie catcher Austin Wells has experienced a more gradual start to the season, though his underlying metrics suggest some unfortunate luck has played a role in his performance. Despite the slow start, Wells has recently shown improvement, posting a .333 batting average and a robust 1.012 OPS over his last 10 games through Monday. As both catchers continue to contribute in their respective roles, the Yankees’ catching tandem looks to be a valuable asset to the team’s success.

Manager Aaron Boone exuded confidence in both of his catchers, expressing his belief that either player could excel when called upon and matched up strategically. He also praised their ability to handle the pitching staff effectively from behind the plate. Boone’s satisfaction with the catching duo’s performance and their overall impact on the team was evident as he discussed the position’s strength and the value they bring to the Yankees.

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