Reds Secure Jose Trevino with Contract Extension

In a significant move, the Cincinnati Reds announced today that they have signed catcher Jose Trevino to an extension that will keep him with the team through at least the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. The official announcement follows reports early in the day confirming the agreement.

Trevino had previously been under contract for $3.425 million for 2025 and was set to hit free agency after that. This new deal guarantees him $5.25 million over the next two seasons, with a club option valued at $6.5 million and a $1 million buyout. This represents an additional $11.5 million investment from the Reds, extending their control over Trevino while enhancing their catching depth.

At 32 years old, Trevino has yet to make a regular-season appearance for the Reds since being acquired in December from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson. With over seven seasons in Major League Baseball, Trevino may not have a standout batting record, but he has become known for his defensive prowess behind the plate.

Trevino's journey began when he was traded to the Yankees from the Texas Rangers in April 2022. Up until the end of the 2021 season, he held a career batting average of .245 with a less-than-impressive on-base percentage of .270. His offensive production was rated significantly below the league average. However, his defensive metrics improved markedly in his final season with Texas, where he emerged as one of the league's top pitch framers.

His tenure with the Yankees saw Trevino have his best season yet in 2022, hitting 11 home runs and achieving a wins above replacement (WAR) value of 3.8, aided by his solid defensive contributions. Unfortunately, injuries marred his subsequent seasons. He underwent surgery for a right wrist tear in 2023 and dealt with a left quad strain, limiting his appearances to just 129 games over the past two years. Despite these setbacks, he still made a defensive impact, producing a value of 2.4 fWAR thanks to his skills behind the plate.

Going into the 2024 season, Trevino will serve as an essential piece for the Reds as their primary catcher Tyler Stephenson is set to begin the season on the injured list due to an oblique strain. A recent scare with Trevino, who took a foul tip to the hand, has eased as tests showed no significant damage, allowing him to be ready for Opening Day.

With Trevino’s presence solidifying the catching position, the Reds are looking forward to a more stable future. They needed a reliable backstop with Trevino's track record, especially as Stephenson's control extends only through 2026. The organization’s top catching prospect, 19-year-old Alfredo Duno, is still far from the majors, having played just a handful of games in the Dominican Summer League and Single-A.

This contract extension positions the Reds well for the next few years. There's potential for a competitive catching tandem with Trevino and Stephenson that could last through 2026, while Duno may emerge as a viable option in the future. If all goes according to plan, Trevino’s contract could extend even further into 2028, depending on his performance and health.

In a market where the average annual value for veteran catchers ranges from $5 to $8 million—similar to what Trevino will receive—this extension marks a strategic acquisition for the Reds. With other notable catchers heading for free agency in the upcoming seasons, Trevino’s addition to their roster is expected to make a significant impact both behind the plate and in the clubhouse.

As the Reds aim for a successful season ahead, this extension not only underscores their commitment to Trevino but also reflects their broader strategy to build a robust and competitive roster. Fans are excited to see how this plays out as Cincinnati looks to climb the ranks in the National League!