Yankees Acquire Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz from Red Sox in Trade

Juan Soto's journey to becoming a standout player began with a $1.5 million signing by Nationals scout Johnny DiPuglia, who recognized Soto's potential through his mental fortitude and work ethic rather than his early hitting skills. Meanwhile, Kike Hernandez of the Dodgers shared his near miss with being designated for assignment last year, highlighting how a mid-season change transformed his performance. In the Seattle Mariners camp, former pitcher Trevor May identified shortstop J.P. Crawford as a key player poised for a bounceback in 2025 after a disappointing previous season marked by injuries. The Yankees and Red Sox have also been active trade partners, with the Yankees acquiring pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, who is developing a diverse pitch arsenal, in exchange for a catcher. As the new season unfolds, both teams and individual players are looking to turn the page on previous challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.