JUST-IN: Major Boost As Yankees Land “Diehard Fan” in Trade: Fernando Cruz’s Dream Come True Could Transform Their Bullpen!

When the Yankees traded Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson, they didn’t just get another bullpen arm—they landed a pitcher who has been a passionate Yankees fan since his childhood. Cruz, who once defended the Yankees’ honor in middle school debates, is now living out a dream.

“I’ve always been a diehard Yankee fan,” Cruz told the New York Daily News. “Back in middle school, if anyone talked negatively about the Yankees, we’d be having a discussion or an argument. We’d have to fight.”

Cruz, 34, may not fit the typical trade profile, especially for a reliever still under team control until 2029. But despite his age, he’s a high-upside arm with outstanding strikeout potential. Last season, Cruz pitched 66.2 innings with a 4.86 ERA, but his 14.72 strikeouts per nine innings highlighted his swing-and-miss ability. His tendency to walk batters and give up home runs has been an obstacle, but the Yankees believe their pitching lab can help him take the next step.

Cruz is already armed with one of the best splitters in the game, and the Yankees are confident that with a few adjustments and improved pitch selection, he could become a key piece of their bullpen. Against right-handed batters, Cruz was dominant last year, limiting them to a .181 batting average and a .292 slugging percentage. However, he struggled against lefties, allowing a .264 average and a .519 slugging rate.

Beyond his impressive stats, the connection between Cruz and the Yankees feels almost destined. For someone who grew up idolizing the team, the opportunity to wear the iconic pinstripes is the realization of a lifelong dream. “It just means the world to me and my family,” Cruz said. “Everyone that knows me knows what it means to me to have the pinstripes on.”

For Cruz, joining the Yankees is a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. “I knew I had something special,” he shared. “I’ve always had a great arm. I knew something was going to happen because I had special stuff. I just needed to refine it.” Now, with the Yankees, Cruz will have the perfect opportunity to do just that.