The New York Yankees aren't hiding their interest in Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Jeffers, set to be a free agent at the end of the season, was having a career year before suffering a left hamate fracture on May 19, slashing .295/.408/.541 (162 wRC+) in 147 plate appearances. Jeffers is expected to be reinstated from the IL before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Chris Kirscher of The Athletic recently reported that New York wants to add a right-handed bat behind the plate. If the Twins sell at the trade deadline, Jeffers will almost certainly be the most desirable right-handed-hitting catcher on the market. ESPN recently published an article ranking the top 100 trade deadline candidates, listing Jeffers as the top catcher at No. 21. Other catchers on the list whom the Yankees could be interested in are switch-hitter Victor Caratini of the Twins and the Detroit Tigers' Jake Rogers.
If the Twins end up selling, Jeffers has a nearly 100% chance of being traded unless the team has unexpected plans to extend or re-sign the backstop. The Yankees are the top team in the AL with a 46-29 record as of Sunday morning, and the team's starting catcher, Austin Wells, has had a disappointing season so far, hitting just .166/.278/.255 (53 wRC+) in 47 games as of Sunday morning. Wells' backups, J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez, haven't been great either.
Twins' resurgence worsens Yankees' odds to acquire Jeffers
The Twins very well may sell this summer, but their recent strong stretch has put them right back in the playoff hunt. After winning seven of 10 games following Saturday's 16-8 victory against Arizona, Minnesota trailed the third AL Wild Card spot by just 1 1/2 games and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians by 4 1/2 games. Despite a poor 37-41 record and -20 run differential, the Twins still have a decent shot to reach the postseason. If Minnesota is still in the playoff hunt at the trade deadline, New York will have to accept it has no chance to acquire Jeffers.
If the Twins plan to keep Jeffers in an attempt to make the playoffs, they must improve the roster through the trade market. The team's biggest need is bullpen help. If Minnesota can acquire a couple of solid relievers, the club could actually have a decent chance to reach the playoffs due to the weak American League.
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