Even though the Minnesota Twins entered Monday just one game out of the final American League Wild Card spot, Ryan Jeffers seems destined to end the season on another team. The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are both seeking to upgrade at catcher before the trade deadline, per multiple reports, and Jeffers appears to be the top catcher available on the market. The Boston Red Sox are also interested in upgrading at catcher now that they're in the postseason race, according to The Athletic.
The Red Sox appeared on track to sell at the beginning of the month. But after going on a hot streak that included 15 straight wins, Boston holds the second American League Wild Card spot and has made it clear it intends to buy at the deadline.
Now that the Red Sox are looking to add a catcher, they are likely interested in acquiring Jeffers, who has slashed .293/.395/.535 (160 wRC+) with nine home runs and 35 RBI in 46 games this season.
The Red Sox joining the Rays and Yankees on the list of teams interested in upgrading at catcher should increase Jeffers' trade value, which is, obviously, great news for the Twins.
Minnesota may still keep Jeffers, who missed nearly two months with a broken left hamate bone earlier in the year. The team is in the thick of the postseason race, and Jeffers is one of the club's best players. Additionally, Minnesota could still get value out of Jeffers if/when he signs with another team in the offseason by extending the star the qualifying offer at the conclusion of the season, which would give Minnesota a compensatory draft pick.
Minnesota shouldn't trade Jeffers unless it gets an offer that's too good to refuse, which appears likely to occur given the number of teams presumably interested in the star.
Twins' strong catching depth is another reason to trade Ryan Jeffers
Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson have been swinging the bat well lately, giving the Twins an added incentive to move Jeffers. Since June 1, Caratini has slashed a strong .292/.362/.487 (135 wRC+) with five home runs, seven doubles and 17 RBI. Jackson has hit .323/.354/.435 (122 wRC+) with one home run, four doubles and five RBI in 65 plate appearances after having his contract selected in May.
Simply put, the Twins should consider trading Jeffers for the right price ahead of the trade deadline. But at the same time, Minnesota should also look to add cheap pitching reinforcements. The Twins proved they can remain in the postseason race without Jeffers when he was on the shelf with his hamate fracture, but they clearly need pitching help. Minnesota ranks No. 1 in the AL in runs scored (511) but only No. 25 in ERA (4.67).
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