Could Philadelphia Phillies' Catcher Search Lead Them to Ryan Jeffers?

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

The only thing I would argue is Jeffers is not that far from getting the twins an extra draft pick in next years draft.  As of right now now he is projected to get a 3 year $30 million to $35 million contract.  If there is minimal catcher options again next year - I would not be surprised at all to see him get $50 million.  

So the value has to be very high in a return.  You are losing a starting catcher that has the most experience especially with these pitchers.  Unless you are getting a younger C back I just don't see how the math works out.  

We can get the value of Jeffers this year and potentially as draft comp as well.   

Agreed but the draft compensation would depend on a QO and at 22 million... that's a high price to pay for a team that has limited funds available to spend in the first place. If you spend 22 million on Jeffers. He probably takes it and now you don't have 22 million to spend elsewhere and we will need funds after this season for elsewhere. Also if he takes it... his trade value is gone immediately afterwards as well.   

In regards to the Twins catching position.

I'd rather the Twins punt the catcher position this year... maybe even next year. Too many holes to fill and limited funds available to fill them all... You'll have to choose where you allocate those limited dollars and the limited trade chips. I don't think we should burn limited resources on a position that requires the rest that catchers require.     

Now... if a 3 year 30 million dollar deal will get it done. If he would extend at that price. I'd extend him.  

 

[bunsen82]

Just now, Riverbrian said:

Agreed but the draft compensation would depend on a QO and at 22 million... that's a high price to pay for a team that has limited funds available to spend in the first place. If you spend 22 million on Jeffers. He probably takes it and now you don't have 22 million to spend elsewhere and we will need funds after this season for elsewhere. Also if he takes it... his trade value is gone immediately afterwards as well.   

In regards to the Twins catching position.

I'd rather the Twins punt the catcher position this year... maybe even next year. Too many holes to fill and limited funds available to fill them all... You'll have to choose where you allocate those limited dollars and the limited trade chips. I don't think we should burn limited resources on a position that requires the rest that catchers require.     

Now... if a 3 year 30 million dollar deal will get it done. If he would extend at that price. I'd extend him.  

 

Highly dependant on his stats this year.  Even still if you have assurance Jeffers wants a long term deal - which he should at age 30 its worth a gamble.  You could then trade if need be.   1 year 22 million versus 3 year 50 to 60 million sounds about right.  

[Riverbrian]

24 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I agree, but they can also trade for a 1B right? 

I pray that they will. 

Maybe trade Jeffers for a decent 1B. 

In the end... the Twins have multiple holes to fill and the question is really... Do you Cash Jeffers in now, later or let him walk for nothing. 

In consideration of the current team context. I vote to cash in now. 

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

4 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I pray that they will. 

Maybe trade Jeffers for a decent 1B. 

In the end... the Twins have multiple holes to fill and the question is really... Do you Cash Jeffers in now, later or let him walk for nothing. 

In consideration of the current team context. I vote to cash in now. 

 

See, I think they could trade something else to get a 1B. I agree they need a good middle of the order type.

I don't know that Jeffers is the one to move yet because they really don't have anything that is ready behind him.

But I do agree they need a 1B/DH that can be a middle of the order type. 

[terrydactyls]

6 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Agreed. Just saying that's the last resort, but also a decision to trade him wouldn't at all have to happen this offseason. It's not a RUSH for that.

Frankly, payroll for 2026 doesn't have to be fully decided on March 1 either. That's not a bad thing.

If the 2026 payroll isn't decided on until March 1st, the only free agents still aound will be the leftovers.  The budget needs to be decided now so the front office can move forward on building a "contender" for 2026.

[Riverbrian]

Just now, bunsen82 said:

Highly dependant on his stats this year.  Even still if you have assurance Jeffers wants a long term deal - which he should at age 30 its worth a gamble.  You could then trade if need be.   1 year 22 million versus 3 year 50 to 60 million sounds about right.  

Jeffers having a good year would be in his best interest. Will a Jeffers good year bring us a playoff spot? I'm not sure... I can be pretty optimistic but everyone should know that the Twins have a ways to go... even if they hang on to Ryan, Lopez, and Buxton along with Jeffers.  

If we are talking about 3 years at 60 million. His trade value will be gone at that contract. They won't be able to trade him for anything without eating some money.

The Twins will be fine committing to Jeffers for the next three years at the position... It should solidify the spot.

However... that will become a serious payroll allocation issue for me because I'm pretty sure our budget has limitations going forward.      

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

If the 2026 payroll isn't decided on until March 1st, the only free agents still aound will be the leftovers.  The budget needs to be decided now so the front office can move forward on building a "contender" for 2026.

The plan for the start of the year has to be decided well before then, hopefully in the next week or so.

I more meant, let's say they do start the 2026 season with a payroll of 110 million. Just as a hypothetical. That amount isn't LOCKED in for the entirety of the season. They could certainly have a payroll of 75 million in August 2026. They could also have a payroll of 125 million in August 2026. 

I just meant the 2026 payroll can and is mostly likely going to be fluid.

[bunsen82]

3 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I pray that they will. 

Maybe trade Jeffers for a decent 1B. 

In the end... the Twins have multiple holes to fill and the question is really... Do you Cash Jeffers in now, later or let him walk for nothing. 

In consideration of the current team context. I vote to cash in now. 

 

It leaves questionable options - Rule 5 could give us some answers.  

Could there be a reality where the Twins picked Susac and decided to Run with a Susac/Jackson tandem.  Sounds risky but if got decent return for Jeffers may make the team better. 

They could effectively get another 1st base option by taking  Blaze Jordan.   I would be more than fine taking a chance on him,  and seeing if he can improve from his abysmal 2nd half.  You would have spring training to see what you got.  

Most likely we take one of the arms to help the bullpen.  

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

See, I think they could trade something else to get a 1B. I agree they need a good middle of the order type.

I don't know that Jeffers is the one to move yet because they really don't have anything that is ready behind him.

But I do agree they need a 1B/DH that can be a middle of the order type. 

The Twins have nothing immediately behind Jeffers and I mean nothing.

The front office needs to sleep in this bed that they made instead of spending limited resources to fix it which will cause a problem spending elsewhere.  

A lot of people don't agree when I say that we should punt the position. I understand the thought is scary but the Twins are going to pay for this development mistake one way or another. If they spend on C... they won't be able to spend on X.

We will have a C or an X problem to choose between even if they trade for that 1B middle of the order player. 

And yes... I agree with you. We desperately need a 1B middle of the order bat. 

[tony&rodney]

We don't need to worry about the budget or how the Twins spend money, especially for the 2027 season. (Here I add my thought that maybe 2 weeks of games, at most, are at peril and but predict January 2027 CBA contract.) There is zero chance of a QO for Jeffers after this year. When people suggest trading him, please remember there isn't anyone else to catch. Alex Jackson will set a new personal best if he catches 325 innings. Thus, the Twins need to find someone for about 125 games if Jackson is a success. Catcher is the most important position player.

For those who are thinking Jeffers should be traded, who is going to catch those 125 games? I traded Jeffers in various iterations of a 2026 roster because I overpaid for Harry Ford and Jeferson Quero, two promising but very risky rookie prospects. Those ships have sailed. It is Jeffers .... Jackson, Cardenas. Eduardo Tait could arrive by 2028.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, bunsen82 said:

Could there be a reality where the Twins picked Susac and decided to Run with a Susac/Jackson tandem.  Sounds risky but if got decent return for Jeffers may make the team better. 

This is where I am at. 

Very few are going to be comfortable with this. However, the Twins have to choose and this is the state of our catching as a result of our catching development issues so sleep in the bed youmade and focus on the other positions until they can produce their own Susac making the minimum. Or... Someone Better. 

[tony&rodney]

2 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

A lot of people don't agree when I say that we should punt the position.

As far as I know teams must have a catcher. There is always the option to bring back Christian Vazquez or a similar guy for $3-7M. Thing is Jeffers is about that price. If traded, he brings back 40 or 45 prospects at best. The Twins are swimming in those type of players. 

I'm not opposed to trading Ryan Jeffers at all, but I want his replacement acquired first.

[Riverbrian]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

See, I think they could trade something else to get a 1B. I agree they need a good middle of the order type.

I don't know that Jeffers is the one to move yet because they really don't have anything that is ready behind him.

But I do agree they need a 1B/DH that can be a middle of the order type. 

Not only is money going to be limited to the point that they need to be strategic with it. 

Trade Capital is also limited. If Jeffers isn't a trade chip. That's less trade capital to work with. You should be hanging on to prospects with both hands so let's less trade capital to work with. 

If you are keeping Ryan... that's less trade capital to work with. 

If the Twins think they have a roster to compete right now. They better be right because these type of decisions will determine how long it takes to fix this thing and get competitive. 

 

[terrydactyls]

4 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

The plan for the start of the year has to be decided well before then, hopefully in the next week or so.

I more meant, let's say they do start the 2026 season with a payroll of 110 million. Just as a hypothetical. That amount isn't LOCKED in for the entirety of the season. They could certainly have a payroll of 75 million in August 2026. They could also have a payroll of 125 million in August 2026. 

I just meant the 2026 payroll can and is mostly likely going to be fluid.

If that's what you meant, you probably should have said that.  Just a suggestion, but I always read my posts before submitting them because often times what you type isn't what you meant.  In my past life as an editor of technical manuals (boring!), I would go back to the authors and ask them if they really intended to say what they wrote.  Very common.

[tony&rodney]

Susac/Jackson for 60-70 games? Who covers the other 100?

Also, please help me with a name of a significant return in any trade of Ryan Jeffers? i tried but came up empty except for when i accepted players that fit in below the Twins current #20 guys.

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Not only is money going to be limited to the point that they need to be strategic with it. 

Trade Capital is also limited. If Jeffers isn't a trade chip. That's less trade capital to work with. You should be hanging on to prospects with both hands so let's less trade capital to work with. 

If you are keeping Ryan... that's less trade capital to work with. 

If the Twins think they have a roster to compete right now. They better be right because these type of decisions will determine how long it takes to fix this thing and get competitive. 

 

I'd argue trade capital isn't in any way limited. They have a LOT of outfielders both on the 40 man and in the upper minors. They also could look at moving Bailey Ober since they aren't trading Lopez or Ryan. There are a ton of options to make moves and clean up the roster in  my opinion.

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

As far as I know teams must have a catcher. There is always the option to bring back Christian Vazquez or a similar guy for $3-7M. Thing is Jeffers is about that price. If traded, he brings back 40 or 45 prospects at best. The Twins are swimming in those type of players. 

I'm not opposed to trading Ryan Jeffers at all, but I want his replacement acquired first.

We could use a 45+ prospect infielder. The 45 prospect swimming is primarily happening in the OF and SP lakes.  

 

[terrydactyls]

5 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

As far as I know teams must have a catcher. There is always the option to bring back Christian Vazquez or a similar guy for $3-7M. Thing is Jeffers is about that price. If traded, he brings back 40 or 45 prospects at best. The Twins are swimming in those type of players. 

I'm not opposed to trading Ryan Jeffers at all, but I want his replacement acquired first.

I've never seen one player get traded for 40 or 45 prospects.  That's a lot of people. 😄

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, terrydactyls said:

If that's what you meant, you probably should have said that.  Just a suggestion, but I always read my posts before submitting them because often times what you type isn't what you meant.  In my past life as an editor of technical manuals (boring!), I would go back to the authors and ask them if they really intended to say what they wrote.  Very common.

Totally fair :)

[tony&rodney]

1 minute ago, terrydactyls said:

I've never seen one player get traded for 40 or 45 prospects.  That's a lot of people. 😄

Ok, funny. I get it. 

Also did decades of editing.

Given this is a baseball specific site, one does not always need to add those extra words when everyone on the site already understands the references. Is that fair? I admit to sloppy writing on this site.

[Blyleven2011]

All our valued veteran players,  the front office will at least listen to the offers ...

Our veterans are still in the running to be traded no matter what the reports are that they are not going to be traded ...

[SteveLV]

People are posting that 3/$30M gets Jeffers to sign an extension.

Isn't that the same deal the Twins paid Vasquez 3 years ago?

That would surprise me, as Jeffers is clearly the better hitter, less skilled defensively, but salaries have gone up over last 3 years, too.

I think it would take more than that unless Jeffers wants to stay here, ala home town discount.

Certainly the Twins should float and extension offer, and if that is rejected, dangle him out there and see who is biting, and at what price.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I'd argue trade capital isn't in any way limited. They have a LOT of outfielders both on the 40 man and in the upper minors. They also could look at moving Bailey Ober since they aren't trading Lopez or Ryan. There are a ton of options to make moves and clean up the roster in  my opinion.

Not really.

Yes... Anybody can be dealt but in regards to maximum value that returns actual talent it gets quite limited. 

We can move outfielders but should we be moving Wallner, Erod or GG with years of control left. 

Larnach doesn't bring back what those guys do. Anybody can be traded but what brings back actual talent is quite limited.   

[Cory Engelhardt]

4 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Not really.

Yes... Anybody can be dealt but in regards to maximum value that returns actual talent it gets quite limited. 

We can move outfielders but should we be moving Wallner, Erod or GG with years of control left. 

Larnach doesn't bring back what those guys do. Anybody can be traded but what brings back actual talent is quite limited.   

I'd very much be open to moving Wallner or Erod or GG in the right deal. No doubt.

 

[Coach Wheels]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

What is the point of keeping Buxton, Ryan and Lopez if you're going to trade away your only other above average position player for prospects?

 Boom!!! Everyone should be on the table for trades and if the whole thing is blown up and they win 60 games this year, so be it. 

Personally. I have zero faith in Falvey to get this right but this is our world now so let's see what where it goes.

[DJL44]

15 minutes ago, SteveLV said:

People are posting that 3/$30M gets Jeffers to sign an extension.

Isn't that the same deal the Twins paid Vasquez 3 years ago?

Not really. Jeffers is going to get $6M in arbitration so it's really a 2 year $24M extension. That's 20% more than Vazquez received.

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I'd very much be open to moving Wallner or Erod or GG in the right deal. No doubt.

 

They might just do that because they are going to have to make some 40 man adjustments for better 40 man balance and we are OF heavy. I just don't see a lot of options beyond them. Especially if they are keeping Joe Ryan.  

To me this comes down to cashing in value before you get nothing or less for it. Having a lot of needs to address and the money/trade chip allocation that they have to work with. 

 

[stringer bell]

I don't think Jeffers was as good behind the plate in 2025 as he was in '23 and '24. What I do know is that when he and Vazquez alternated behind the plate, the difference in pitching results was almost zero. So, for whatever Jeffers' flaws are as a receiver, they are minor compared to what he offers as a hitter over 90% of catchers in MLB. 

Jeffers has been nicked for poor framing numbers since that stat came in vogue and that should be helped by the challenge system put in place this year. It's probably a bit harder to predict performance by catchers as they age, but he's still pretty young and has been comparatively durable in the last three years. Without another true major league catcher in the system, it is a terrible bet to lose him hoping that someone will step up, unless there is no real effort to contend in 2026.  

[mnfireman]

39 minutes ago, SteveLV said:

People are posting that 3/$30M gets Jeffers to sign an extension.

Isn't that the same deal the Twins paid Vasquez 3 years ago?

Vazquez wound up being a big overpay, but his 2019-2022 seasons didn't foreshadow that big of an offensive drop off. 3/$30 MM sounds about right for Jeffers, but his offensive value has been steadily dropping the last two seasons. No way do you offer him a QO. 

[mnfireman]

3 hours ago, old nurse said:

When Miami traded Realmuto they ended up with 2 failed prospects and a journeyman catcher they sold for cash. They also  bought more lottery tickets for the IFA class. In other words, they traded him for nothing. Jeffers for  low level prospects is also selling for nothing. Cody laid out the argument for not trading Jeffers 

Sanchez and Alfaro were both top prospects, consensus top 50 across all publications, for several seasons, and Stewart was a LHP, if he found success, he would have been a good throw-in - just goes to show that there is no such thing as a sure thing.