The Aug. 3 trade deadline is almost here. With Ryan Jeffers slated to be a free agent, many are wondering if the Twins will trade the star catcher ahead of the deadline. Right-hander Joe Ryan is also viewed by many as a top trade candidate.
However, the Twins have put themselves right in the thick of the playoff race by winning 33 of their last 60 games.
For those teams hoping to acquire one of the Minnesota Twins' stars at the deadline, it was an ugly night.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 18, 2026
The Twins win again, 5-2, over the Cubs. They are 49-49, and 33-26 since May 9, the 2nd-most wins in the AL during that stretch.
They are tied for the final wild-card spot.
Minnesota lost 6-2 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, but that doesn't discount how well the club has played lately.
The New York Yankees have made it clear they are interested in acquiring Jeffers from the Twins, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. The Tampa Bay Rays are also seeking catching help, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, meaning they'd likely pursue Jeffers if he's made available. Unfortunately for both clubs, it doesn't look like Jeffers is going anywhere unless Minnesota collapses before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Before landing on the IL in May with a broken left hamate bone, Jeffers had been playing at an All-Star level. The catcher returned from the IL on July 10.
Jeffers is slashing an outstanding .292/.402/.547 with eight home runs, nine doubles, one triple and 31 RBI across 41 games this season. He hit his first home run, a three-run shot, since being reinstated from the IL in the Twins' 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday night.
Ryan Jeffers powers the @Twins ahead with a 3-run homer 😤 pic.twitter.com/4WCXZ2LgE1
— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2026
Twins should keep Ryan Jeffers, Joe Ryan if they continue to play well
If the Twins want to reach the postseason this year, trading Jeffers would be a mistake. And it's not like Minnesota would be left empty-handed by holding onto Jeffers, as the Twins can offer the catcher the qualifying offer, which would get them a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another team.
As for Ryan, the right-hander is easily the Twins' best starting pitcher. This season, Ryan has posted a 2.85 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 128 strikeouts over 110 1/3 innings. Ryan is set to be a free agent at the end of next season, so there's no need to trade him now, especially since the Twins are just one game back of the Boston Red Sox for the final AL Wild Card spot.
Contending teams in need of starting pitching, such as the Atlanta Braves and Cubs, would likely be willing to give up a huge package of prospects for Ryan. However, with how well Minnesota is playing, those clubs may have to look for pitching help elsewhere.
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