Brockton Brings In Former Knockout For Playoff Push
Published on August 11, 2026 under National Association (NA)
Brockton Rox News Release
The Brockton Rox have signed catcher John Cristino to their active roster Tuesday morning in preparation for their final regular season series against the Quebec Capitales.
Cristino, a member of the 2024 New England Knockouts, joins the Rox in the midst of a playoff push and a week and a half after his brother - former Merrimack Warrior Greg Cristino - signed with the squad. With the loss of Hayden Travinski to a bicep injury in mid-July, the Rox have been relying heavily on All-Star Derek Bender to hold down the catcher position, with Evan Sleight serving as the team's secondary backstop.
In his lone stint with the Knockouts in 2024, John registered a .293 batting average, .367 on-base percentage and .583 slugging percentage in 89 games with the squad. His stellar offensive numbers - including a league-leading 26 home runs on the season - earned him a nod to the 2024 Frontier League All-Star Game, where he was a starter.
Head manager Jerod Edmonson alluded to the possible return of the former Knockout star during the Rox six game homestand following the catcher's release from the New York Yankees organization.
"I have spoke to John," Edmonson said on Aug. 6 against Ottawa. "We'll see what happens. Just give me a few days, and then we'll see what's up."
Cristino has spent the last three seasons in the New York Yankees organization, with stints in rookie ball, high-A and AA. Cristino spent much of the 2026 season assigned to the Yankees' Development List.
To allow for the move, the Brockton Rox released left-handed pitcher Ben Smith Monday, Aug. 10. The former member of the Brockton bullpen signed with the Rox on June 9 after a stint with the Tri-City ValleyCats to start the season.
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