Multiple MLB Insiders Link Twins and Yankees on Ryan Jeffers Trade

[Cody Christie]

As the MLB trade deadline inches closer, Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers continues to appear on more and more national trade boards. While much of the focus around the Twins has centered on potential blockbuster conversations involving bigger names, Jeffers may quietly be one of the organization's most valuable short-term trade chips.

Three prominent MLB insiders recently connected Jeffers to the New York Yankees, a team that entered 2026 believing it had enough catching depth but has instead watched the position become a significant weakness. From Minnesota's perspective, the situation warrants close monitoring.

The Twins have a difficult decision looming with Jeffers. He is set to reach free agency after the 2026 season, and it seems unlikely for the Twins to extend him. Before landing on the injured list with a broken hamate bone, Jeffers was enjoying arguably the best offensive stretch of his career, batting .295 with seven home runs and 26 RBI in 122 at-bats while posting a remarkable .949 OPS. For a catcher with a career .755 OPS and 75 major league home runs, that production represents a substantial jump.

National evaluators have taken notice. As part of a recent piece discussing front offices facing pressure, ESPN insider Buster Olney identified Jeffers as a potential target for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

"(Brian) Cashman might also have to deal for one of the better relievers available -- as well as a right-handed hitter, such as Twins catcher Jeffers."

The Yankees' interest makes plenty of sense. New York expected Austin Wells to take another step forward offensively this season while J.C. Escarra emerged as a capable complementary option. Instead, injuries and underperformance have left the Yankees searching for answers. Wells has struggled to provide consistent production, Escarra remains better suited for a supporting role, and the organization lacks a proven right-handed bat behind the plate. Jeffers checks every box.

Sports Illustrated's Karl Rasmussen recently argued that the Yankees should aggressively pursue the Twins catcher.

"The Yankees should look no further than Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers, who has had an excellent season. Jeffers, 29, is a right-handed batter and boasts a .949 OPS and a superb 163 wRC+. He's hit seven home runs—more than Wells and Escarra combined—and is a solid framer behind the plate. A tandem of Jeffers and Wells would be a major upgrade over the current setup in the Bronx, and with Jeffers set to be a free agent this offseason, the Twins should be looking to deal him."

Rasmussen hits on the main points that the Yankees need offensive help at catcher, and few available options can match Jeffers' combination of power, experience, and defensive competence.

Former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic reached a similar conclusion while discussing potential catching upgrades for contenders.

"However, I think more realistic options include Ryan Jeffers of the Twins (once he gets healthy), Agustín Ramírez of the Marlins, Joey Bart of the Pirates, Carson Kelly of the Cubs, Gabriel Moreno of the Diamondbacks and Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals."

Bowden's mention of Jeffers comes with an important caveat. The Twins catcher is currently on the injured list, meaning any trade discussions will likely remain preliminary until clubs can evaluate his health upon returning to action. That timing could work in Minnesota's favor.

If Jeffers returns and continues hitting anywhere near his current pace, the Twins could find themselves with multiple interested suitors. Catching is one of the thinnest positions across baseball, and contenders are always willing to pay a premium for offensive production behind the plate.

The Yankees are simply the most obvious fit. Beyond their catching concerns, New York is expected to pursue infield upgrades and bullpen help before the deadline. Still, catcher may be the organization's clearest weakness. A healthy Jeffers would immediately become the club's best right-handed catching option and provide lineup balance against left-handed pitching.

For the Twins, the calculus is more complicated. Minnesota must decide whether they are buyers or sellers. The organization has received strong production from Jeffers throughout his career, but with free agency approaching and catching depth developing throughout the system, moving him could become a realistic consideration if the Twins find themselves in sell mode.

Whether a deal ultimately materializes remains to be seen. What is increasingly clear, however, is that national insiders continue to arrive at the same conclusion. If the Yankees are shopping for a catcher this summer, Jeffers appears to be near the top of their list. And if the Twins decide to listen, New York may be waiting with the strongest offer.

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[thelanges5]

This from a Dan Hayes article updating some Twins injuries. According to Hayes, Jeffers, who landed on the IL with a broken left hamate bone on May 19, started taking dry swings last week and is participating in catching drills. There's still no timeline for his return.

[Linus]

The decision to deal Jeffers is not difficult- they have to deal him. He is not going to sign an extension this close to free agency. Trade him and if you want to throw a bunch of money at him you will have that opportunity during free agency. 

[tony&rodney]

Ask for the moon.

[DJL44]

So what would it take for the Yankees to get Jeffers? They wouldn’t be the only bidder.

I assume one of George Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez or Carlos Lagrange would be sufficient. Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe are interesting MLB level players. There is also some Double-A starting pitching.

Also, would the Twins make it a blockbuster and add Royce Lewis to the deal?

[amjgt]

I'd be cool with Lagrange (the lowest ranked of those you listed) for a Jeffers rental

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

So what would it take for the Yankees to get Jeffers? They wouldn’t be the only bidder.

I assume one of George Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez or Carlos Lagrange would be sufficient. Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe are interesting MLB level players. There is also some Double-A starting pitching.

Also, would the Twins make it a blockbuster and add Royce Lewis to the deal?

Volpe is not good. 

I'm aiming for Lombard, or two minor league pitchers. 

There isn't much to decide here. They won't be signing him under this ownership. 

[DJL44]

40 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Volpe is not good. 

He has a higher career WAR than Royce Lewis. Pretty consistent plus glove at SS and OPS in the 80s.

[Mike Sixel]

29 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He has a higher career WAR than Royce Lewis. Pretty consistent plus glove at SS and OPS in the 80s.

He's been replacement level for two years. He's exactly the kind of veteran winning teams shouldn't be starting. 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Ask for the moon.

 

1 hour ago, amjgt said:

I'd be cool with Lagrange (the lowest ranked of those you listed) for a Jeffers rental

Sorry. I couldn't help chuckling..

[ashbury]

34 minutes ago, sampleSizeOfOne said:

Sorry. I couldn't help chuckling..

Sharing the presumed chuckle with others who may not have majored in Interstellar Studies, via this link.

[sampleSizeOfOne]

21 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Sharing the presumed chuckle with others who may not have majored in Interstellar Studies, via this link.

This is true. I did what you see here. But i had considerable help.

I piggyback off of giants.

Per the Link Lagrange apparently is a 5 point player? Toolsy!

[sampleSizeOfOne]

I haven't been paying attention. Is Jeffers close to returning?

And i do like Jeffers. I will be extra greedy for the return if a trade happens.

[chpettit19]

I would be absolutely floored if the Twins got a top 100 prospect back for a Jeffers rental. Especially a Jeffers coming off injury rental. Especially an injury known to destroy a player's power well past the time they return.

I'd guess you're looking at more like a prospect in the 8-10 range of most systems.

[Chembry]

As many others, I think the Twins should trade Jeffers. 

Do we really think we can get Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez, or LaGrange for 2 months of Jeffers?  I understand Jeffers will probably the best catcher available at the deadline, but I just don't think that's realistic...

Lombard's prospect status is in the realm of Jenkins, not quite as high as Jenkins but similar.  Would anyone trade Jenkins for a 2 month rental.  I am sure the answer is no.  

We are really looking prospects in that #10 range in most systems.  I am all for aiming high, but realistically if we can get 2 prospects, one in the 6-10 range in most systems, it would be a pretty good return. 

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Chembry said:

As many others, I think the Twins should trade Jeffers. 

Do we really think we can get Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez, or LaGrange for 2 months of Jeffers?  I understand Jeffers will probably the best catcher available at the deadline, but I just don't think that's realistic...

Lombard's prospect status is in the realm of Jenkins, not quite as high as Jenkins but similar.  Would anyone trade Jenkins for a 2 month rental.  I am sure the answer is no.  

We are really looking prospects in that #10 range in most systems.  I am all for aiming high, but realistically if we can get 2 prospects, one in the 6-10 range in most systems, it would be a pretty good return. 

No. I was being hopeful.... I'd want two pitchers that are almost certainly RPs

[ashbury]

7 minutes ago, Chembry said:

Do we really think we can get Lombard, Elmer Rodriguez, or LaGrange for 2 months of Jeffers? 

I'd like to think in terms of packaging one or two decent prospects plus Jeffers, to try for someone like those who the Twins FO values highly.

But maybe that comes from me playing too much OOTP.  😁

[tony&rodney]

I meant  "the moon" (my comment above) as an unknown hopeful. Doubt a big name comes in return for Jeffers. I'm ok with the Twins offering the QO, which is extremely and totally unlikely. and receiving a comp pick.