Yankees Take a Gamble on Former Top Prospect to Solve Backup Catcher Dilemma, The New York Yankees’ catching depth remains a glaring uncertainty, with former Rays backup Alex Jackson currently projected as their No. 2 option, according to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource. With few inspiring alternatives, the Yankees have turned to yet another former member of the Rays’ organization.
Once a highly regarded bat-first catching prospect, Hernández saw his stock decline quickly. Despite stints with the Red Sox and Diamondbacks, both of whom lacked a set-catching duo, the now 27-year-old never received a major league call-up and remained stuck in Triple-A.
Now, Hernández will get another shot, signing a minor league contract with a Spring Training invite to compete for a roster spot behind Austin Wells, the Yankees’ projected starter and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year candidate.
Offensively, Hernández has shown power at every level of the minors, posting a .203 ISO over 99 games in Triple-A with Boston in 2023. However, his lack of plate discipline has been a major issue. His 39.1% chase rate and 4.6% walk rate with Arizona’s Triple-A team last season ranked among the worst in the league. Despite that, he still managed a 114 wRC+.
Defense has also been a weakness. Throughout his career, Hernández has been viewed as a below-average defensive catcher, something the Yankees may try to improve. Given his right-handed bat, he could serve as a platoon option, but New York may prioritize defensive stability with a glove-first catcher like Jackson, especially with Wells’ elite +12 framing mark from last season.
Regardless of the outcome, the Yankees appear poised to have a former Rays catcher backing up Wells in 2025—an intriguing twist after Tampa Bay acquired Ben Rortvedt late in the 2024 offseason.
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