Trevino had a storied high school career in Corpus Christi, hitting 25 home runs to tie the Texas state record and winning back-to-back state titles at John Paul II High.

After his freshman year in college, Jose played for Teams USA's college team.

June 2014: The Rangers drafted Jose in the sixth round, out of Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma. He signed just four days later for $200,000, via scout Bobby Crook.

In 2016, the Baseball America Prospect Handbook rated Trevino as the 22nd-best prospect in the Rangers' organization. He was moved up to #12 in 2017, but he fell to #28 in 2018.

In 2016, Trevino was named the Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year by the Rangers. He finished the season with High Desert by being awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove Award as a catcher.

Trevino had a .998 fielding percentage behind the plate in 100 games. Trevino had 102 assists and 950 chances this season for the Mavericks, who won the California League title. Trevino is also credited with throwing out 47 of 98 baserunners.

Offensively, Trevino hit .303 with 30 doubles, nine home runs and 68 RBIs.

2017 Season: Trevino hit his first major bump as a professional. He hadn’t been great with the bat in A ball, but he was okay, posting an OPS above 700 with Spokane, Hickory and High Desert. In his first taste of AA ball, Trevino struggled mightily offensively, slashing .241/.275/.323 in 423 plate appearances. His defense still earned rave reviews, but a sub-600 OPS from a 24-year-old in AA is a problem, even if he’s a great defensive catcher. Nevertheless, he showed enough to be added to the 40 man roster that offseason.

MLB Debut (June 15, 2018): "My mom's out there asking me 'Were you nervous? Were you nervous?' And I was like 'I don't think I had any time to, mom. Sorry.'"  –Rangers catcher Jose Trevino

Jose knows what a good toy means to a child. He loved throwing his tennis ball against solid objects. Like helicopters. Real helicopters. The ones that were serviced by his dad Joe “Bugé” Trevino at the Army Depot located on Corpus Christi Naval Base.

“I would take a tennis ball and throw it off a helicopter,” Trevino said. “My dad fixed the helicopters. Fixed their radios. You could sit in there, but he would say, ‘Don’t touch this, don’t touch that.’ I would be messing around. I would be pretending to shoot the gun and he was like, 'Don’t touch that.'”

Yeah, a tennis ball for a toy is one thing. A machine gun? Not a good idea.

“It was cool,” Trevino said. “Everybody at the hangar knew me. Half the people there my dad worked with. He probably coached their kids or their nephews. He was just like, ‘Don’t do anything dumb.’”

Bugé Trevino made his living as a mechanic. His wife Patsy was a school cafeteria manager and they raised four children (sons Victor and Jose and daughters Sarah and Joann) in Ben Bolt and Alice, two small towns just outside Corpus Christi. 

Bugé’s passion was baseball and he spent over 35 years as a volunteer youth coach and umpire. He helped get the baseball program started at John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi in 2006 and Jose led the Centurions to two state titles in 2010-2011 during his junior and senior years.

“My dad loved baseball,” Trevino said. “When I say, 'love baseball,' [it was] to the point of obsession. But let me be clear, he never forced me to do it. He put me around it, and it was awesome. I loved the game and everything around it.

“As parents, my mom and dad always taught me life lessons and the life lessons you get in baseball are the same ones you get in life. It drives me. My dad loved to coach kids and I do too. I love being around kids when they are experiencing the good things in baseball or the bad times.”

Bugé passed away in 2013 when his son was a sophomore at Oral Roberts. But Bugé’s memory is a driving force for the Trevino family as they prepare for their annual Trevino Toy Drive. This popular Corpus Christi endeavor began four years ago when Trevino was still making his way through the Rangers' farm system.

“I was literally feeling I should be giving back to my community more,” Trevino said. “Just felt it would be nice. I saw a lot of people doing a lot of charity stuff. I get involved during the season, but this was the offseason and I felt I probably could make an impact.

“We were like, 'Let’s get some toys for some kids around the area and an organization where we could help out.' Sure enough, we connected with a few people and they were like, ‘These are the people who could use some help.’ We were like, ‘Let’s do it.'”

The first year benefitted the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alice, and now the West Side Helping Hand in Corpus Christi.

“It’s an after-school program,” Trevino said. “Basically, a place where moms or dads are working late, they bring those kids in free of charge. They teach them arts and crafts, they help with homework, and they have outside activities like kickball, volleyball, basketball.”

The first two years involved a toy drive and a baseball camp. A home run derby was added last year, allowing local high school players to compete for Rangers tickets.

As an added bonus to the festivities, Trevino arrived by helicopter, landing on the field and stepping out dressed as Santa Claus to hand out the goodies. It was his first helicopter ride after all those years throwing a tennis ball against the side of one.

“That was really fun,” Trevino said. “It was a tough thing to plan for but I’m glad we did it because it was a lot of fun.”

2018 Season: It was a difficult year for Trevino, who had issues both with hitting and staying healthy. He slashed .234/.284/.332 in 201 plate appearances with Frisco, as well as making his Major League debut that year (appearing in three games for the Rangers in June). Right after Trevino was sent back down to Frisco after his brief stint in the bigs, he had shoulder surgery, which cost him the remainder of 2018.

2019-20 Seasons: In 2019, Trevino started the season at AAA Nashville, landed on the injured list in May with a strained quad, spent a couple of weeks rehabbing in June and July with the AZL squad, then returned to Nashville in mid-July. Texas called him up at the beginning of August, and he was up for the remainder of the year. Trevino slashed just .226/.263/.336 in AAA, but put up a .258/.272/.383 line in the big leagues in 126 plate appearances, and there was some hope that he the bat was coming around. 

Trevino’s 83 plate appearances in the Majors in 2020 bolstered those hopes, as he slashed .250/.280/.434 — a line that, with his defense, was acceptable, though his season was cut short in early September due to a wrist injury.

Santa won’t be arriving by helicopter this year during the COVID-19 crisis. But the toy drive will take place on Dec. 18 with drive-thru distribution being held in the Westside Helping Hand parking lot. The entire family will be involved.

“Me and my family, we love to give back,” Trevino said. “It was something our parents taught us. My sisters really help out a ton. They go above and beyond every year and it has been awesome. Everybody is involved, I don’t want the attention on me.”

The Trevino family has higher aspirations beyond the toy drive. Next to the Helping Hand facility is an empty lot with a makeshift baseball field. The dream is to turn it into a first-class baseball facility that could help honor the memory of their father.

“We are going to try and raise as much money as we can throughout the year until we can get that baseball field,” Trevino said. “No way would I name it after me. It would be so cool to have a stadium with our last name or even my dad’s name and tell his history a little bit. That would be awesome.” (TR Sullivan - MLB.com - Nov 25, 2020)

April 29, 2021:  Jose said his son Josiah has been begging him to hit a home run throughout the 2021 season, especially after seeing Nick Solak hit two in one game on April 27. Trevino told him it would happen soon.  And it did.

Trevino picked a perfect time to make his son happy.  He hit his first homer of the season, launching a two-run shot in the sixth inning to break a tie with the Red Sox and propel Texas to a 4-1 win in the series opener at Globe Life Field.  (Landry - mlb.com - 4/30/2021)

2021 Season: The season for Jose Trevino was, well, pretty much in line with his track record. He earned raves for his defense, his leadership, his pitcher handling. He missed some time with an injury. And he didn’t really hit — he slashed .239/.267/.340 for the year, good for a 64 wRC+. He was above replacement level according to both Fangraphs and B-R due to his defense. His +15.0 defense on Fangraphs placed him 8th in the Majors among catchers, even though he had less playing time than everyone ahead of him except his teammate, Jonah Heim, who was at +15.6. And the only two catchers at +16.5 or higher were Sean Murphy at +19.1 and Max Stassi at +17.1. But he was only a shade above replacement level, coming in at 0.6 fWAR and 0.1 bWAR.

If we look at Statcast, we see Trevino graded as elite in framing (96th percentile), with a sprint speed like a catcher (12th percentile), and a .285 xwOBA. That xwOBA suggests that he was better with the bat in 2021 than the results indicate, which is encouraging, but it still isn’t good. In 2021, he was 268th out of 309 Major League hitters with at least 250 PAs in xwOBA. 

The book on Trevino has always been he will end up making the Majors because of his defense, and his role and how long he sticks around will be dependent on his bat. Trevino just turned 29 years old, and while there is still the possibility of growth, it's likely that at this point he is what he is — a glove-first backup catcher at the Major League level.  (Adam J. Morris - Dec 9, 2021)

July 2022: Trevino was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game.

 Aug. 4, 2022: Jose is an ambassador of the Yankees brand and fans love him. As a result, he was named the Yankees’ Heart and Hustle Award winner.

Sept 9-12, 2022: Jose was on the paternity list.

Dec 5, 2022: Jose Trevino has played on some of baseball’s biggest stages: under the bright lights in the Bronx, in the All-Star Game, in the postseason. But even so, the Yankees catcher was still filled with nerves before surprising the Uvalde Little League team.

A native of South Texas, Trevino has deep roots in the Lone Star State. It’s part of the reason why the Robb Elementary School shooting that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers -- including 10-year-old Xavier Lopez, a member of the team -- hit so close to home for him. So, he decided to give back to the community by treating the team and their families to some fun.

Trevino is known for giving back. It's something that was instilled in him at a young age. Since 2017, he’s held Trevino’s Toy Drive -- a project that collects hundreds of toys and monetary donations delivered to families in need of assistance during the holidays -- and has taken part in a number of other community efforts in his native Texas and New York.

For the Uvalde Little League team, though, he went big.

“I was, like, super nervous, like, my hands were sweating,” Trevino said. “I was, like, getting shaky and stuff picking up the kids. I didn't know how I was gonna greet them or anything like that.”

When Trevino pulled up in a stretch limo, the players had no idea what was in store for them. He greeted everyone with a handshake and a Yankees cap, then took them for a spin. While in the limo, he could already tell by the looks on their faces that they were having a good time. Little did they know, that wasn’t even half of the surprise. After a shopping trip and some time cruising around San Antonio, Trevino took the team and their families to Six Flags Fiesta Texas -- which he rented out for the day -- to ride roller coasters and play games, then ended the night with a Q&A session where he talked to the kids and gave away prizes.

“I know we can’t change what happened. We can't. But for those couple hours, I wanted to make them feel the fun,” Trevino said. “I wanted them to be involved and wanted them to feel safe. And I think we did a good job.” 

Between the limo ride, shopping and some amusement park fun, one thing remained a constant (aside from the smiles on everyone’s faces) and that was Xavier Lopez’s memory. 

Throughout the day, Trevino and the team donned matching T-shirts with Lopez’s baseball portrait across the front -- a small but powerful gesture in showing support for the Uvalde community. “We can't change what happened,” Trevino said. "But we can be there to support them and I plan on supporting them as much as I can, whatever they need, and whenever they need it." (A Vedia - MLB.com - Dec 5, 2022)

TRANSACTIONS

Trevino makes decent contact. And he hits for impressive power. He has strong wrists and forearms and isn’t afraid to take an aggressive cut, especially on pitches middle-in. He looks to pull almost exclusively at this point, so he doesn’t profile as a high-average hitter unless he makes adjustments.

Jose has a 50 for his power tool, and a 40 for his hitting.

The Rangers like they way Trevino attacks fastballs, including those up in the zone, but they also want him to shrink his zone and are trying to teach him how to reach certain spots. He doesn't have a pure swing but is a high-contact hitter, who struck out in just 10%in his plate appearances. (Spring, 2018)

Jose could increase the patience at bat.

2014 Season: Trevino tied for first in the Northwest League in extra-base hits (34), tied for third in home runs (nine) and ranked fourth in total bases (129).

Jose has real good bat control but needs to use the whole field more often. His swing is compact and not busy. He takes a very aggressive approach and tends to get too much of his body into his swing. So he rarely walks.

He has strong wrists and good hand-eye coordination. He makes frequent contact and uses the whole field.

Trevino's bat will determine whether he will only be a backup, or a regular behind the plate in the Majors.

In the fall of 2014, when the Rangers told Jose they were going to make him a catcher, the long-time infielder had only one thought.

“If that’s what it’s going to take for me to get to the big leagues,” Trevino said, “then I’m going to do it.”

Jose was named the 2017 Captain's Catcher Award winner as the best defensive catcher in the minors.

“It looks so easy for him back there,” Rangers assistant farm director Paul Kruger said. “. . . It looks like something he was born to do, and that’s help the pitchers and help our clubs the best they can.”

In college at Oral Roberts University, Trevino played third base as a freshman, caught as a sophomore, and was primarily a shortstop as a junior. The 2014 sixth-rounder played catcher, third base, second base and shortstop with short-season Spokane after he signed. At Instructional League that year, the Rangers moved him to catcher permanently.

“When we drafted him and our scouting department saw him, you saw a true leader,” Kruger said. “Jose was also an athlete . . . His leadership skills, his quick transfer and release, and how intelligent he was about the game of baseball.”

Throwing came naturally to Trevino, but other aspects he had to seek help on.

“Blocking was probably the biggest thing,” Trevino said. “That was the toughest thing. I had to work at it. I worked with a lot of people . . . Even Pudge (Rodriguez) helped me out a little bit. He’s the one who taught me some of the footwork, too.”

Trevino put in the work to make his transition behind the plate successful beyond what most could have conceived. Now, he stands alone as the best catcher in the minor leagues. (Kyle Glaser - Baseball America - 11/03/2017)

Jose has plenty of arm behind the plate. He is sure-handed. Trevino has a 50 grade for his fielding, and a 55 for is strong arm.

Trevino can also play third base. He played shortstop at Oral Roberts as a junior thanks to his sure hands and plus arm, but he had caught prior to pro ball, and he played more games at catcher with Spokane than at any other spot. The Rangers intend to catch him full-time going forward, and club officials laud his quick feet and leadership potential.

Jose has a plus arm (60). It is very strong. In 2014, Trevino threw out 38 percent of base-stealers in the Northwest League. And in 2016, Jose threw out a Cal League-leading 48 percent of base-stealers at High Desert. In 2017, Trevino nailed 41 percent of runners trying to steal a base, in the Texas League.

Trevino takes the role of getting pitchers through their inning personally. The native Texan stresses working with pitchers and recognizes that he owes quality game-calling to them.

“You catch first and then you hit,” said Trevino. “If you think about your offense while you’re catching, it’s just being selfish toward the guy on the mound.”

Trevino has worked hard, applied instruction and has become an elite defender behind the plate. Pitchers love throwing to Jose, mostly because of his advanced blocking and receiving skills, but also because he calls a good game.

Jose can also be used a first base, displaying good defense at the spot. "He has real aptitude and work ethic, and the pitchers know that he’s out there doing everything in their power to get them through their outings,” Rangers farm director Mike Daly said in 2016.

In 2016, Trevino was awarded a minor league Gold Glove for catcher after a terrific season with high Class A High Desert. His goal is to win another.

“Can I do it again? That’s the biggest question,” said Trevino, who spent a second straight postseason in the Arizona Fall League. “That’s all last year’s stuff. Keep working. Don’t get complacent. Go home, think about a couple things you need to work on and keep hammering until it’s second nature and you work until you’re good at it.”

There doesn’t appear to be much Trevino needs to improve after he posted a .998 fielding percentage over 950 chances. He also notched 102 assists and threw out 47 of 98 (48 percent) of base-stealers.

Jose said that he can improve his receiving and wants to throw out more runners or shrink their leads from bases. He watches video of Lucroy, who is widely considered a premium pitch-framer and throwing catcher.

“I love to watching catching,” Trevino said. “You pick up little things. They don’t always relate to you, but you can somehow work it into your arsenal.”

Jose gets praise for how he works with pitchers and manages games. (Jeff Wilson - Baseball America - Spring, 2017)

Trevino is a potential plus-plus defender, who is considered by scouts to be one of the best defenders in the minors. He allowed just three passed balls in 99 games and threw out 41% of base-stealers. Trevino doesn't have a cannon arm—slightly above-average—but it plays up because his quick feet help him transfer and release the ball quickly, with consistently on-target throws.

Pitchers and managers love his game-calling, leadership skills and the way he handles the pitching staff. His blocking and receiving skills are above-average also. (Spring 2018) 

Oct. 2022: Trevino won the Fielding Bible Award at catcher for the Yankees. Trevino excelled behind the plate, leading all catchers with 21 DRS. His biggest contributions came in pitch framing, where FanGraphs scored his pitch framing more than twice as high as any other catcher this season.

2022 Gold Glove winner - Catcher: Jose Trevino, YankeesTrevino is the third player in Yankees history to win a Gold Glove Award at the catcher position, joining Thurman Munson (1973-75) and Elston Howard (1963-64). Trevino led all Major League catchers with 21 defensive runs saved, which was also tied for the third-most Defensive Runs Saved in baseball, regardless of position.

May 22, 2016: Trevino was on the DL.

April 29-May 11, 2018: Jose was on the DL.

June 27, 2018: Trevino was on the DL.

July 2018: Trevino had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.

May 19-July 11, 2019: Jose was on the IL.

Sept 11-28, 2020: Jose was on the IL with a left wrist impingement.

June 29-July 23, 2021: Jose was on the IL with a right forearm contusion. 

Aug 27, 2022: Trevino was hit on his right foot by a 94.1 mph four-seam fastball from A's reliever Jared Koenig in the eighth inning of the 3-2 win in Oakland.

"It was pretty stiff right away," Boone said of Trevino's foot. "He got through the inning catching, and then he was pretty beat up, so I didn't want to push him. So we'll just see what we have moving forward."

May 18-30, 2023: Trevino was placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain.