CINCINNATI — Jose Trevino may wear red now, but his pinstripe ties haven’t loosened. In a lighthearted moment during Monday’s Yankees-Reds matchup at Great American Ball Park, the former Yankees catcher playfully trolled his ex-teammate Aaron Judge by walking to the plate with Judge’s signature Yankee Stadium walk-up song — Pop Smoke’s “Hello.”
“He was kind of messing with me a little bit,” the Yankees captain said, smiling. “I loved it.”
Trevino, now a member of the Cincinnati Reds, stepped in to hit during the third inning as the unmistakable beat echoed through the stadium. Out in right field, Judge smiled, tipped his cap and acknowledged the inside joke from a player he once shared a clubhouse and countless games with.
“When I heard that, I was kind of laughing a little bit,” Judge said after the Yankees’ 6-1 loss. “Trevi was one of my favorite teammates over here — such a hard worker and always put the team first.”
The Yankees slugger wasn’t the only one amused. Rookie catcher Austin Wells, stepping up to bat earlier in the game, exchanged a quick “love you” with Trevino — and got the same sentiment back from the veteran behind the plate.
Despite a Reds 6-1 win in the opener, Judge delivered his 28th home run of the season in the first inning, reinforcing his MVP-level campaign and keeping the mood light following Trevino’s antics.
“We definitely miss him over here, but we’re excited for his success,” Judge said. “And we’re going to go out there and kick his butt tomorrow.”
Yankees’ Trevino reunion comes with emotions
The two teams’ interleague series marked the first time Trevino faced his former club since being traded in December. Before the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone presented Trevino with his 2024 American League championship ring — a gesture that brought visible emotion from the 32-year-old catcher.
“Those are my guys over there,” Trevino said. “The uniform may change, but the memories and friendships don’t.”
Trevino, a Gold Glove winner and 2022 All-Star, played parts of three seasons with the Yankees, endearing himself to fans and teammates alike with his defense, clubhouse leadership and clutch hitting. But after a wrist injury and reduced postseason role last fall, he was dealt to Cincinnati in a move that netted New York right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson.
Though the trade caught some in the Bronx off guard, the Reds wasted no time committing to Trevino’s presence. After a strong start to the season, Trevino signed a multi-year extension through 2027, solidifying his role as both a contributor and mentor on a rising team.
“He just fits in really well here,” Reds manager David Bell told reporters last week. “He’s everything you want in a catcher — smart, steady and team-first.”
Trevino thriving in Cincinnati
Trevino is batting .307 with four home runs and 14 RBIs entering Tuesday’s game, anchoring a young Reds pitching staff and earning praise for his work ethic. In many ways, the attributes that made him a valuable piece in New York have transferred seamlessly to Cincinnati.
“He’s the kind of guy who elevates everyone around him,” Boone said. “We miss his energy.”
For Trevino, who described leaving New York as “bittersweet,” the reunion series has been both fun and sentimental.
“It’s different being on the other side,” he said. “But once a Yankee, always a Yankee — except when we’re playing them.”
Judge remains the leader
Meanwhile, Judge continues to anchor a Yankees squad that remains atop the AL East despite early-season pitching injuries. With Gerrit Cole sidelined and Luis Gil only recently returning, the Yankees have leaned on offense — led by Judge — to maintain their place in the standings.
Through June 24, Judge is batting .291 with an MLB-leading 28 homers and 66 RBIs. His leadership both on and off the field has helped steady a roster undergoing multiple transitions, including the departure of familiar faces like Trevino.
Still, there’s clearly no bad blood.
“It was great to see him again,” Judge said. “Even if he’s stealing my swag.”
Looking ahead
The Yankees and Reds continue their three-game set Tuesday, with New York looking to bounce back after a quiet night at the plate. Trevino is expected to be behind the dish again, and Judge will surely be prepared — musically and otherwise.
Though no longer teammates, the mutual respect between the two remains strong. And in a sport often defined by stoicism and structure, Monday’s walk-up music prank offered a refreshing reminder that baseball, at its heart, is still a game.
“Jose’s still got it,” Judge said, smiling. “Just maybe not the walk-up song.”
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