There Has Never Been a Better Time to Extend Ryan Jeffers

[Cody Schoenmann]

Last Friday, the Minnesota Twins traded for veteran catcher Alex Jackson from the Baltimore Orioles for Triple A utility player Payton Eeles. Jackson's acquisition all-but-solidifies the position for next season, with him serving as Ryan Jeffers's backup, with Jhonny Pereda and Mickey Gasper serving as depth options in Triple A. Still, with Jeffers in his final season under team control and the organization rostering no MLB-caliber catchers in the high minors, significant concerns remain about the position's long-term depth.

Minnesota's 2026 payroll hovers around $89 million after Correa's $11 million and arbitration estimates are accounted for. Despite operating under substantial, unnecessary spending limitations, team decision-makers should still have the spending power necessary to extend Jeffers. Meaningful negotiations between the front office and Jeffers's representation are unlikely to occur until the organization's new limited partners are officially announced. Still, optimism about the Twins' ability to extend Jeffers should persist for now.

Despite not being a top-10 catcher in baseball, the 28-year-old is one of the AL's best offensive catchers, solidifying himself as a cog right-handed bat in the middle of Minnesota's lineup. Obviously, he isn't deserving of an extension on par with what Cal Raleigh (six years, $105 million) or Will Smith (ten years, $140 million) received in recent years. Still, he won't come at a bargain. Realistically, Jeffers could net a contract in the three-year, $30 million range, identical to the contract Twins decision-makers handed Christian Vázquez before the 2023 regular season.

As of now, Jeffers and reliever Justin Topa are the only 40-man roster inhabitants set to depart the organization after next season, clearing roughly $7.6 million from the club's payroll that, as mentioned earlier, sits at approximately $89 million. Players like Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Royce Lewis, and Trevor Larnach (if he isn't traded this offseason) will reach arbitration-3 status next offseason, making them more expensive. Also, pre-arbitration players in Matt Wallner, Kody Clemens, and Simeon Woods Richardson will reach arbitration-1 status, similarly making them pricier. Still, Minnesota will have one of the lighter payrolls in baseball entering next season, meaning the club has the financial cushion necessary to hand Jeffers a multi-million dollar raise over multiple seasons.

The 2027 regular season is anticipated to face some semblance of a work stoppage, muddying the picture of how valuable extending Jeffers would be for Minnesota, especially if one of his seasons under his new deal is shortened, if not voided. For that reason, Minnesota is unlikely to offer him a one-year extension. Considering how thin the club's catching depth is behind Jeffers in the high minors and the fact that top catching prospect Eduardo Tait isn't anticipated to make his major league debut until 2028 or 2029, the organization might not have a choice but to extend their veteran backstop to a multi-year contract, despite their recent reluctance to hand out eight-figure contracts.

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[Hrbeks Divot]

I agree. The work stoppage possibility is the only thing that gives me pause. Otherwise I think a 3-yr, $30 Mil extension would be a good investment.

[PatPfund]

Agreed assuming there is any sort of a future plan. One potential Jeffers plus (based on a small sample size) is that he seems really sharp on challenging called balls that were actually strikes, which under the new system could be the new version of framing.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I'm on board with this too. 

[DJL44]

Last year probably was a better time, they could have negotiated a lower number, but this season works for me too. Jeffers will be the best catcher available as a free agent next season.

By Fangraphs he's the 18th best catcher over the last two seasons - almost exactly as valuable as Salvador Perez. Perez just signed an extension for 2 years, $25M. The Twins have Jeffers with one arbitration season remaining at about $6M so a 3yr-$30M contract would be market rate. I would try to get an option/buyout for 2029 at $12M/$1M as well. Jeffers will turn 32 in 2029.

Even though Jeffers will be the best free agent catcher next season, I don't think he will get more than a 3 year, $36M contract. If he takes the $30M now he would be potentially giving up $12M. That would be mitigated somewhat by the option year. The big risk for Jeffers is he suffers a major injury this season that keeps him from playing behind the plate in future seasons. He'd be risking $30M to try for an extra $12M.

[DJL44]

The Twins absolutely have to spend some money extending contracts for the players they've developed. That's the most effective use of their budget.

[D.C Twins]

yes of course...but not gonnna happen

 

[nicksaviking]

I think 3 for 30M sounds low. He might not be top 10 overall, but he's top 10 offensively, and offense sells. Looks like Atlanta was able to buy out three free agent years for Sean Murphy at 15M per year and he was also three years away from free agency. You might get a discount in Jeffers' last season of arbitration in 2026, but after that, I'd bet free agent years are at least 15M per.

[Linus]

If you are going to try in 2026 and 7 then this makes some sense. If you are going rebuild then you 100% trade him. He’s smart in that he was really good with the challenge system. I would put him back in the traditional catchers stance which will help him throw and block better. 

[farmerguychris]

I think 3/30 would be great, but probably low since they already did that with Vazquez and we saw his skills.  Jeffers is better at this point, will likely need to go maybe 3/36 if he'll take that instead of testing the waters.

Three years is long enough to hopefully see if the young due of catching prospects can make it to the bigs and possibly allow us to trade Jeffers while he can still play behind the plate.

[DJL44]

18 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I think 3 for 30M sounds low. He might not be top 10 overall, but he's top 10 offensively, and offense sells. Looks like Atlanta was able to buy out three free agent years for Sean Murphy at 15M per year and he was also three years away from free agency. You might get a discount in Jeffers' last season of arbitration in 2026, but after that, I'd bet free agent years are at least 15M per.

The catcher market doesn't usually go that high. Sean Murphy is getting $15M because he's an All-Star with a gold glove award. Will Smith is making $14M and Cal Raleigh is at $17.5M. I don't think Jeffers is in that performance tier.

If they want Sean Murphy, there are rumors that the remaining 3 years and $45M of his contract are available due to ROY Drake Baldwin. I might be tempted to take that contract on and trade Jeffers if he won't sign for less than $36M.

[Blyleven2011]

Does adding jackson really solidify our catching , I'm not so sure , jackson could be traded just like kiner Falefa was a day after we acquired him ...

Catcher is a position of need and I don't think he will be given an extension , it would have been done way before this season if they had any intention of keeping us from this bad catchers situation , organization is very telling , it wants to win with a lesser payroll like Cleveland has been doing  ...

Still lots of off season left , winter meetings in a few weeks hopefully we will be given a direction they have planned  ...

HOPEFULLY ...

[TopGunn#22]

I agree that extending Jeffers makes a lot of sense, but I'm going to take an opposing view...because when was the last time Falvey has done something that made sense??

I could also argue that a viable plan would be to cut some of the dead weight from our current 40-man roster and select catcher Daniel Susac the Athletics #11 prospect in the Rule 5 Draft.  He's just completed a season in AAA and hit .274/.349/.483.  He did this in a hitters park, but still very respectable numbers. 

With Jeffers value at a solid 12.7 (BBTV) one could make an effective argument with only the 2026 season of control remaining and a Lockout/Strike looming for 2027, the time to trade him is NOW, and go with a Susac/Jackson tandem with Noah Cardenas at AAA for depth.

What would Falvey add in a trade involving Jeffers?  Possibly someone like Tristan Casas to dig us out of the Black Hole of a possible Clemens/Julien 1B in 2026?  Possibly packaged with Joe Ryan to ensure a bigger haul from the Mets?  Or with Bailey Ober (20.4) in a package?  With Falvey, we have little confidence but the chance is there for a deal that HELPS the Twins. 

A lot is made about Jeffers offensive ability as a catcher.  But he ranks 18th in MLB for catchers.  That's middle of the pack to me.  Defense is his biggest shortcoming and both Susac and Jackson appear to be much better "catchers."  

So while an extension "seems" like a good idea, I'm leaning toward a smart Rule 5 selection like Susac and going with Susac/Jackson for 2026 and monitoring the development of Cardenas, Tait and Jimenez (and even Olivar).  

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

A lot is made about Jeffers offensive ability as a catcher.  But he ranks 18th in MLB for catchers.  That's middle of the pack to me.  

That's not middle of the pack. 60 catchers will be on Opening Day rosters.

[Blyleven2011]

8 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The catcher market doesn't usually go that high. Sean Murphy is getting $15M because he's an All-Star with a gold glove award. Will Smith is making $14M and Cal Raleigh is at $17.5M. I don't think Jeffers is in that performance tier.

If they want Sean Murphy, there are rumors that the remaining 3 years and $45M of his contract are available due to ROY Drake Baldwin. I might be tempted to take that contract on and trade Jeffers if he won't sign for less than $36M.

Agree , take that contract on but get Atlanta to pay down on the salary , won't happen though but a very good take on Murphy  , also white Sox and Brewers both have two solid catchers each to try and pry away with lower salaries but higher trade value  ...

[DJL44]

10 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I agree that extending Jeffers makes a lot of sense, but I'm going to take an opposing view...because when was the last time Falvey has done something that made sense??

I could also argue that a viable plan would be to cut some of the dead weight from our current 40-man roster and select catcher Daniel Susac the Athletics #11 prospect in the Rule 5 Draft.  He's just completed a season in AAA and hit .274/.349/.483.  He did this in a hitters park, but still very respectable numbers. 

Or extend Jeffers, grab Susac and put Austin Jackson on waivers.

[CRF]

I'll be very surprised if they extend him.

[Drtwins]

I’m on board with the sign Jeffers at 3-30, which would essentially be a 2-24 extension which seems reasonable for both parties. I also believe with the challenge system and potential for full abs it could raise Jeffers value. And yes, please go for Susac in the rule 5 to battle it out with Jackson for the backup position. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, CRF said:

I'll be very surprised if they extend him.

I will also, mainly because I doubt Ryan Jeffers wants to play for the 2026-28 Minnesota Twins. Why would he? I'd rather try to play for a winner if I had the choice.

[weitz41]

I'm on board. I might even try to go 4 years and wipe out his last 2 Arb seasons. Pay it forward type of thing. So, 4 for 40.  That may cover the gap to Tait, Diaw, Jimenez or someone who takes a big step up.

[IndianaTwin]

I like the thought, but with ownership uncertain, I don't see it happening. If his arb salary is the MLBTR-projected $6.6M and ownership would give the blessing for 3 years at $10-$12M per season, if I'm the front office, I would stay with the $6.6M on Jeffers and use the extra $3-5M on a bullpen guy. 

[Jacksson]

With Boras as his agent, and extension ain't happening.

Especially with the team skimping on spending and unlikely to have success in the near term.

[DocBauer]

I've been on this bandwagon since 2025 began. I'd JUMP on 3 for $30 in a heartbeat! But I think it might take $33-36 to get it done. IMO, that's still a solid deal from the Twins perspective.

Jeffers is about average defensively,  but he's also tough, durable, very smart, calls a good game, and the pitchers seem to like throwing to him. And I agree he's really good at identifying pitches in the challenge system. And he's also one of the better bats at the position in all of MLB. He's capable of 20 HR, which he's done before.

And let's be honest, who else do they have? I have a good feeling about Cardenas as a decent, solid #2 with a little more AAA time. But Diaw, Tait, and Jimenez are all a good 2yrs away, and possibly 3, before being ready to debut.

And as @DJL44stated, one of the best/smartest things you can do is extend and KEEP the talent you've developed.

[DocBauer]

7 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I agree that extending Jeffers makes a lot of sense, but I'm going to take an opposing view...because when was the last time Falvey has done something that made sense??

I could also argue that a viable plan would be to cut some of the dead weight from our current 40-man roster and select catcher Daniel Susac the Athletics #11 prospect in the Rule 5 Draft.  He's just completed a season in AAA and hit .274/.349/.483.  He did this in a hitters park, but still very respectable numbers. 

With Jeffers value at a solid 12.7 (BBTV) one could make an effective argument with only the 2026 season of control remaining and a Lockout/Strike looming for 2027, the time to trade him is NOW, and go with a Susac/Jackson tandem with Noah Cardenas at AAA for depth.

What would Falvey add in a trade involving Jeffers?  Possibly someone like Tristan Casas to dig us out of the Black Hole of a possible Clemens/Julien 1B in 2026?  Possibly packaged with Joe Ryan to ensure a bigger haul from the Mets?  Or with Bailey Ober (20.4) in a package?  With Falvey, we have little confidence but the chance is there for a deal that HELPS the Twins. 

A lot is made about Jeffers offensive ability as a catcher.  But he ranks 18th in MLB for catchers.  That's middle of the pack to me.  Defense is his biggest shortcoming and both Susac and Jackson appear to be much better "catchers."  

So while an extension "seems" like a good idea, I'm leaning toward a smart Rule 5 selection like Susac and going with Susac/Jackson for 2026 and monitoring the development of Cardenas, Tait and Jimenez (and even Olivar).  

I don't know good Susac is defensively, but I do like the idea of grabbing him in the rule 5. But you have to keep him. And Jackson, if nothing else, is a quality defender. The problem/question with him is whether he's a .150 hitter, or a .200 hitter with flashes of power.

I like the idea of adding another catching option as it's so important, and often overlooked and undervalued. But I think a legitimate arm for the pen, or a SS/utility player may fill a bigger hole/need.

But I still like the idea. 

[William K Johnson]

Why is there not a discussion of moving him to first base?   Mauer did it, as do a lot of catchers.   His offensive numbers could increase if he does not have to take the beating behind home plate.

[Whitey333]

Seems like a logical and sensible thing to do which is why extending Jeffers likely won't get an extension.  The Twins don't operate with logic.

[nclahammer]

Three years for $36 million (or 3/$30 as some are mentioning) would keep Jeffers in the fold until Tait is (or isn't) ready.   Really depends on what route the owners will take:  complete rebuild or lots of tweaks with the current roster.

[bean5302]

Jeffers is a 2 WAR catcher as of recently, and any extension would be for his age 30+ seasons. I think the Twins would be wise to pursue a short extension with him, but I think it remains open to debate on whether or not Jeffers would want to sign one with Minnesota given the disarray of things and how close he is to free agency. 

I certainly wouldn't go more than 2 years on an extension (which would lock him up for 3 years including the upcoming season).  

I'm not sure why so many fans are convinced Jeffers is a top hitting catcher, but his xwOBA is fairly steady at about .315 which would put him well outside that description. 2023 was a mirage, and his raw power looks to be declining a little to just above average.

He's a solid need for the Twins since they've got nothing to replace him.

[ashbury]

5 hours ago, William K Johnson said:

Why is there not a discussion of moving him to first base?   Mauer did it, as do a lot of catchers.   His offensive numbers could increase if he does not have to take the beating behind home plate.

First he has to beat out the incumbent, Kody Clemens.  🙃

[tony&rodney]

Nice to see people handing out extensions for Ryan Jeffers.

Maybe I missed it, but why would Jeffers sign now? He is a year away from free agency. In one year Jeffers chooses where he wants to play and who he wants to play for in his (perhaps) last years. If you were Ryan Jeffers, would you sign an extension now (even 3/$36M from 2027-2028) with the Twins? I just can't see it, but anything can happen.

The future-oriented path, which seemed to be a direction indicated by the late July transactions, would be to trade Ryan Jeffers this winter. Where? No idea. Would Tampa Bay trade for a one year catcher? Add someone like Kyle DeBarge and the CB draft pick in 2026 for Tre' Morgan? Other opportunities?

Then again, the Twins front office has made obscure statements about holding the roster together.

The Twins will keep Jeffers because they want a shot at 75 wins in 2026. That seems more clear.