Yankees trade Albert Abreu to Rangers for new backup catcher

The New York Yankees just showed how fickle life in the MLB can be. Even after a strong spring had Albert Abreu positioned to make the major league roster, Aaron Boone had to eat his words just one day later after some new needs arose. Brian Cashman was back to his trading ways late this Saturday.

The 26-year-old Abreu looked ready to put his struggles behind him, as he showed up in fantastic shape with solid velocity. Even that was not enough to take his name out of trade discussions.

Despite Kyle Higashioka’s strong spring, an injury to backup catcher Ben Rortvedt left the Yankees even thinner at catcher. Higashioka showing competency on offense freed up the Yankees to scour the league for high-floor defensive options. New York found their man in a career backup plying his trade in the AL West.

The Yankees traded Abreu and former Oregon left-hander Robby Ahlstrom to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Jose Trevino. While Abreu arrived in New York with a good deal of hype, his time in pinstripes has concluded after just two very short seasons. Not ideal, to say the least.

The New York Yankees traded Albert Abreu for Jose Trevino.

Abreu, who was originally acquired from the Astros in the deal that sent Brian McCann to Houston, recorded an unsightly 5.68 ERA in 30 games in the Bronx over the last two seasons. the velocity is there, but Abreu never seemed to put all the pieces together.

The 29-year-old Trevino is not much with the bat, as he has hit .245 with a 70 OPS+ in parts of four seasons with the Rangers. The value here is in his glove, as his defensive WAR shows that he has been a plus defender since he entered the league. He could provide a solid veteran behind Higashikoa.

The Yankees apparently love what Texas’ player development system cranks out. Not only did the Yankees make a big trade deadline swoop for Joey Gallo and Joely Rodriguez, but they picked up Isaiah Kiner-Falefa via trade and signed first baseman Ronald Guzman. Let’s see if Trevino can hit his stride amongst a gaggle of former teammates.

The Yanks gave Abreu plenty of chances to prove he was worthy of a roster spot, and he never took the most of them. Considering that moves like the Clay Holmes trade show that Cashman has an aptitude for these 1-for-1 swaps, Trevino could start raking in New York.

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