JUST-IN; Positive Addition As Yankees Officially Signs Top Talented Promising Red Sox Prospect Catcher To Minor League Contract

The New York Yankees are taking a gamble on a once-promising player who once caught the attention of the Boston Red Sox. On Sunday, the Yankees made an unexpected move by signing catcher Ronaldo Hernandez to a minor league contract, with the deal including an invitation to spring training. At 27 years old, Hernandez has yet to make his big league debut, but now he’ll have the chance to compete for a spot with the Yankees, even though he is considered a long shot to make the roster.

Hernandez’s career has been filled with both promise and disappointment. He first gained attention in 2018 when he hit 21 home runs in low-A, which led the Red Sox to trade for him in 2021, sending him and pitcher Jeffrey Springs to Boston in exchange for some pitching depth. The deal was seen as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Red Sox, who hoped Hernandez could develop into a starting catcher. However, things didn’t pan out as expected.

While Hernandez struggled to meet expectations in the Red Sox system, pitcher Jeffrey Springs blossomed into a reliable starter for the Tampa Bay Rays. Springs posted a remarkable 2.46 ERA in 135 1/3 innings in 2022, solidifying himself as a key piece in the Rays’ rotation. Meanwhile, Hernandez’s development stalled, and he failed to make it to the big leagues with Boston, leaving his future in doubt.

After spending the 2024 season in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ system and playing in various international leagues, Hernandez began to show signs of improvement. In 63 games with Triple-A Reno, he had a strong offensive season, hitting .311 with 11 home runs. His solid performance in 2024 has given him a glimmer of hope, and now, with the Yankees offering him another opportunity, Hernandez has a chance to prove he can make an impact at the major league level.

Though he faces an uphill battle, Hernandez’s strong 2024 performance could be the key to reviving his career. The Yankees’ decision to bring him in may be a low-risk move with the potential for reward if he can finally tap into the potential that once made him an intriguing prospect. Time will tell if he can make the most of this opportunity, but for now, Hernandez has a shot to prove himself in New York.