During the Yankees’ visit to Cincinnati in June 2025, Jose Trevino delighted fans with a series of lighthearted pranks aimed at Aaron Judge, creating a memorable mix of laughter and surprise that showcased their unique camaraderie. The “Aaron Judge prank reaction” quickly became a highlight of the games, revealing the genuine respect and playful spirit shared among teammates despite the competitive atmosphere.
From Trade to Pranks: Trevino’s Return to Cincinnati
After being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in December 2024, Jose Trevino signed a three-year, $15 million contract that extended through 2027. When the Yankees traveled to Cincinnati for their first series of the season, Trevino seized the opportunity to prank his former teammates. At one moment, he walked up to the plate as Alice in Chains’ song “Rooster” played, only to let Aaron Judge’s signature walk-up tune “Hello” take over, sparking laughter and warm reactions among players and fans alike.
Though some observers labeled the antics as trolling, Trevino clarified in an interview with MLB Network that his intentions were entirely respectful.
“To be honest, I was thinking about it just because I have a ton of respect for the guys over there.”
He added,
“I wanted to honor them, and it was not kind of to troll them. We had some special moments there… together as teammates.”
Despite some criticism that his pranks bordered on mockery, Trevino emphasized,
“people started saying, ‘oh you’re trolling them, making fun of them.’ But that’s not what I was doing.”
His actions were received warmly, even by Judge himself, who expressed genuine appreciation for the creative gesture during a post-game interview.
Competitive Spirit Fuels On-Field Drama
The series between the Reds and Yankees was marked by hard-fought games with thrilling moments. Cincinnati took the early advantage by winning the first two matchups, with standout performances such as Elly De La Cruz’s explosive game one—he hit a home run, a triple, and tallied three RBIs that helped the Reds secure a 6–1 victory. In reaction, New York avoided a complete sweep by dominating the final game 7–1.
Despite Trevino’s playful mood, his competitive edge remained sharp. Late in the 11-inning second game that the Reds won 5–4, his prank unwittingly contributed to a tense moment involving Jazz Chisholm Jr. After Chisholm was called out on a strike during a 2–0 count, Trevino caught umpire Mark Wegner’s attention by pointing toward Chisholm’s behavior while the player was taking warm-up grounders at third base. This interaction prompted Wegner to eject Chisholm from the game, inflaming tensions on the field and requiring intervention from Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Aftermath of the Ejection: Teasing and Respect
Following the incident, Boone expressed his frustration with Trevino’s actions, saying,
“I’m a little down on Trevy right now. I think he contributed to the ejection… he got Mark looking in that direction.”
Yet, the following day in the Yankees’ commanding 7–1 victory, Chisholm struck back with a 433-foot home run in the third inning, scoring two runs and playfully acknowledging Trevino by joking, “That was for last night.”
Despite the heat of competition, the rivalry included moments of good-natured teasing. Chisholm admitted Trevino was responsible for the earlier ejection but chose to laugh it off, saying,
“That’s just his game; we know Trevi… I thought it was pretty funny.”
This exchange underscored the balance of rivalry and mutual respect that defined the series, which featured intense gameplay alongside memorable off-field antics.
Significance of the Series and What’s Next
This series between the Yankees and Reds was notable for the blend of entertainment and effort, with Jose Trevino’s pranks adding a layer of humor amid competitive baseball. The dynamic between Trevino and Judge, highlighted by the prank involving Judge’s walk-up song and the subsequent reactions, shed light on the camaraderie built even among opponents. The ejection incident added drama that kept fans engaged and displayed the emotional intensity of MLB contests.
Looking ahead, this playful rivalry and on-field tension may continue to evolve as the season progresses, potentially fueling more unforgettable moments between these talented players. Trevino’s approach demonstrated how humor and respect can coexist in sports, creating connections that transcend team affiliations while also intensifying competition.