The New York Yankees are taking a flyer on a once-intriguing Boston Red Sox. On Sunday, the Yankees announced the signing of catcher Ronaldo Hernandez to a minor league contract. Hernandez’s deal includes an invitation to spring training. At 27 years old, Hernandez remains unproven in the big leagues, where he’s yet to appear in a single game. He’ll now get a chance to earn a role with the Yankees, though he should be considered a roster longshot.

Hernandez is perhaps best known for being involved in a 2021 trade that sent him to the Red Sox and pitcher Jeffrey Springs to the Tampa Bay Rays. The deal initially was viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move for the Red Sox, who were trading perceived average pitching depth for a developmental catching prospect who hit 21 homers in low-A in 2018.

However, Springs turned into a solid starter for the Rays — 2.46 ERA in 135 1/3 innings in 2022 — whereas Hernandez flamed out after a few underwhelming seasons in Boston’s system and never played in a big league game. He spent the 2024 season playing in the Arizona Diamondbacks system and in various international leagues.

Hernandez enjoyed a strong offensive season in 2024, hitting .311 with 11 homers in 63 games for Triple-A Reno.