3 Teams Who Could Make a Play for Ryan Jeffers at MLB Trade Deadline

[Matthew Taylor]

Image courtesy of © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have spent much of July walking the line between buying and selling. Entering Wednesday at 49-53 with playoff odds hovering just above 20 percent, they have about a week left before the front office must decide which direction to take before the August 3 trade deadline. If Minnesota catches fire, adding reinforcements makes sense. If the club continues to slide, however, the Twins could become one of the more interesting sellers on the market. No player's future may depend more on this short stretch than Ryan Jeffers.

Jeffers is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season, making him an obvious trade candidate if the Twins decide to move expiring contracts. More importantly, he would probably be the top catcher available at the deadline. Jeffers has put together one of the best offensive seasons of any catcher in baseball, in the midst of a career-best season that includes a .941 OPS at the prime age of 29. He's also adapted well to MLB's Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. That combination should generate significant interest from contenders looking for an upgrade behind the plate.

The New York Yankees stand out as perhaps the most logical fit. At 56-44, the Yankees currently occupy the top American League Wild Card spot and sit just two games behind the Rays in the AL East. With their sights set on catching Tampa Bay and earning a first-round bye, New York will undoubtedly be aggressive at the deadline.

Catcher is one of the Yankees' biggest weaknesses. They have received the fifth-lowest WAR from the position in baseball, primarily relying on Austin Wells, who owns a 44 OPS+. Replacing that production with Jeffers would represent a substantial upgrade for a club with legitimate World Series aspirations.

Although the Yankees' farm system is no longer among baseball's elite, they still possess enough prospect talent to make an intriguing offer. George Lombard Jr. would be untouchable in this kind of deal, but the Yankees also have intriguing pitching prospects in Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez.

Another team that makes plenty of sense is the Boston Red Sox. After ripping off a 15-game winning streak (and counting), Boston has firmly entered the buyer category and now looks like a legitimate postseason contender. The Red Sox have received very little production behind the plate this season, with Carlos Narváez posting a 59 OPS+ as the club has accumulated -0.5 WAR from the catcher position. Their backup, Connor Wong, has hit very well, but that's not his true talent level.

Boston also matches up well with Minnesota from a prospect standpoint. The Red Sox have assembled an impressive collection of young pitching, an area where the Twins could always use additional depth. Righthanders Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon would both be intriguing names for Minnesota to pursue if it decides to leverage Jeffers into future pitching.

The Los Angeles Dodgers round out the list. With Will Smith landing on the 60-day injured list with severe neck inflammation, catcher looks like a position the Dodgers will need to address. Jeffers will certainly draw interest from a club like the Dodgers with championship expectations.

As usual, the Dodgers have one of baseball's deepest farm systems. They rarely hesitate to move prospects for the right major league upgrade, and the Twins would have no shortage of interesting names to target. Outfielder Zyhir Hope headlines the group, while Eduardo Quintero and Emil Morales are also high-upside position players who could fit into Minnesota's long-term plans.

Whether Jeffers is actually traded will depend entirely on what the Twins do over the next two weeks. If they play their way back into the playoff picture, keeping one of the league's most productive catchers is an easy decision. If they fall further behind, however, Jeffers could become one of the most sought-after rental position players available. With so many contenders needing help behind the plate and so few quality catchers expected to hit the market, the Twins could find themselves in an enviable position.

If the Twins ultimately decide to move Jeffers, which team do you think makes the most sense, and which prospect would you want Minnesota to target in return? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

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[Mike Sixel]

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-2026-replacement-level-killers-introduction-catcher/

If they can get either of the pitchers you mentioned from NYY or Bos (Emerson), that would be a slam dunk great trade for 1/2 year of a catcher. Seems unlikely. Now, if you package one of MN HS pitchers with Jeffers, you have a chance. 

Zero interest in Weatherspoon.

 

[ashbury]

33 minutes ago, Matthew Taylor said:

Outfielder Zyhir Hope headlines the group

Outfield?  Oh, I hope I hope I hope he bats left handed and plays a corner.  (Checks the b-r.com link.)  He does, he does!  💕🌈🦄

[roger]

If Jeffers has told the Twins he has zero interest in an extension, he should be traded no matter what the Twins do this week.

[chpettit19]

I would add Tampa to this list. 

[FlyingFinn]

Sounds like a great time for a NY/Boston bidding war!

[LA Vikes Fan]

Any chance of getting someone good higher than A+ ball? I'm sure these guys are good players and someday might even make good MLB players. That someday looks like a ways off for each of them. Maybe I'm just getting old and frustrated, but this looks like more playing for the future that never comes. Let's trade Jeffers for some guys that can come and help us in the bullpen this year or at least next year.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

I would add Tampa to this list. 

The winner of the bidding war for Jeffers could keep him away from division rivals.

Stephenson of the Reds is the only other catcher on the market. 

[Colbeh]

I mentioned in the other post about packaging Ryan + Jeffers to Boston, I didnt even think about the Dodgers.

They would have the most beneficial package IMO, MLB ready pitching and 5 top 100 outfielders. Surplus of OF prospects could also help us fish for a controllable SP in the offseason.

I hope we dont trade him to the Yanks... unless its a trade that would cause a riot on their Fan pages.

 

[nicksaviking]

Both Yankees pitchers appear to have severe control issues. I know they are hitting prospect rankings, but that has the feel of hype caused by the over-exposure from being a Yankee/NY/East Coast prospect. 
 

And no one below AA please. Unless it’s an auxiliary piece of the trade.

[bjorks]

Unless it's Dax Kilby, I'm not trading Jeffers. I'd be trying to move one of the other 2. If you get rid of Caratini's $7M and Jeffers signs the QO for $23, I would take 1 more year of Jeffers at $16M (NET). Gives Lackey a full year in A+/AA 

[DJL44]

Interesting Yankees assets beyond their top 10 prospects 

Luis Gil, Camilo Doval, Angel Chivilli, Brent Headrick

Same for Tampa 

Ian Seymour

Red Sox

Slaten, Guerrero, Weissert, Casas

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

Interesting Yankees assets beyond their top 10 prospects 

Luis Gil, Camilo Doval, Angel Chivilli, Brent Headrick

Same for Tampa 

Ian Seymour

Red Sox

Slaten, Guerrero, Weissert, Casas

Casas? Why are people on this board obsessed with this guy? 

Give me prospects in AA....

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Casas? Why are people on this board obsessed with this guy? 

Give me prospects in AA....

I think he’s toast but I know people here are fans 

[MikeNC]

So, Jeffers would sign a one year deal, and face injury risk, for $16MM vs. a 5 year deal at $70MM with Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers?  I don't think so.  Here is your 2027 payroll:  Lopez 18M, Buxton 14M, Caratini 7M, Bell 7M, Ryan $6M, Ober $7M (ARB estimate), Larnach 5M (ARB estimate).  That's already $64M, leaving $36M for the other 19 guys.  This leaves very little for any worthwhile FA, which would likely be bullpen pitching.  The waive wire guys ain't gettin' it done, if you've noticed.  I'd say to not exercise Bell option and let him go.  DH position would gain platoon flexibility with our lesser fielders like Larnach, Lewis, Keaschall, and maybe Lee.  Somebody got to walk so we can add Walker.

[Mike Sixel]

44 minutes ago, MikeNC said:

So, Jeffers would sign a one year deal, and face injury risk, for $16MM vs. a 5 year deal at $70MM with Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers?  I don't think so.  Here is your 2027 payroll:  Lopez 18M, Buxton 14M, Caratini 7M, Bell 7M, Ryan $6M, Ober $7M (ARB estimate), Larnach 5M (ARB estimate).  That's already $64M, leaving $36M for the other 19 guys.  This leaves very little for any worthwhile FA, which would likely be bullpen pitching.  The waive wire guys ain't gettin' it done, if you've noticed.  I'd say to not exercise Bell option and let him go.  DH position would gain platoon flexibility with our lesser fielders like Larnach, Lewis, Keaschall, and maybe Lee.  Somebody got to walk so we can add Walker.

1 year, 23 million, that's the QO number.... Yes, I think he would. 

[DJL44]

15 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

1 year, 23 million, that's the QO number.... Yes, I think he would. 

If the Twins would offer $23M and Jeffers would take it, then they should definitely trade Jeffers now and sign him as a free agent for 1 year, $23M in the offseason.

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, bjorks said:

Unless it's Dax Kilby, I'm not trading Jeffers. I'd be trying to move one of the other 2. If you get rid of Caratini's $7M and Jeffers signs the QO for $23, I would take 1 more year of Jeffers at $16M (NET). Gives Lackey a full year in A+/AA 

I agree on trading Caratini with high value for him……he’s under contract next year…. more leverage for immediate help. Offer Jeffers QO. Do we think there’s a spending floor for ownership? If yes, the may still be a chance to extend Jeffers past next year. ……. Assuming Lackey is in play for ‘28 so 1 more year of Jeffers seems to be sufficient. A spending floor changes things!……..Bell will be gone as well in ‘27…….Caratini & Bell make a combined $14M …… add that to Jeffers current $6M and you’re close to QO $$$

Hoping Caratini’s knee is OK - he looked pretty tender leaving the game tonight!

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, MikeNC said:

So, Jeffers would sign a one year deal, and face injury risk, for $16MM vs. a 5 year deal at $70MM with Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers?  I don't think so.  Here is your 2027 payroll:  Lopez 18M, Buxton 14M, Caratini 7M, Bell 7M, Ryan $6M, Ober $7M (ARB estimate), Larnach 5M (ARB estimate).  That's already $64M, leaving $36M for the other 19 guys.  This leaves very little for any worthwhile FA, which would likely be bullpen pitching.  The waive wire guys ain't gettin' it done, if you've noticed.  I'd say to not exercise Bell option and let him go.  DH position would gain platoon flexibility with our lesser fielders like Larnach, Lewis, Keaschall, and maybe Lee.  Somebody got to walk so we can add Walker.

Trade Caratini now - release Bell at end of season, possible deadline trade piece. (i.e. Bell & Wallner to Pittsburgh - O’Neil Cruz on 60 day IL recently)……….Caratini & Bell are $14M combined. Helps use payroll elsewhere, maybe Jeffers with $23M QO?

If Bell is traded with some other piece……hopefully, an arm comes back. Larnach slots at DH for 75% of games v. every RH pitcher. Moving Bell, as you mention, opens a slot for a potential young OF.

Payroll has to expand in ‘27 ……spent $155 - $160M in ‘23……can’t repeatedly be $105M!

If Larnach continues his current play he’ll get $9M, or close, in arbitration……he makes $4.5M now. Ober’s value is TBD.

I like moving Bell & one of the 2 Catchers at deadline……..come up with some prospect (2 young guys & Wallner or Roden) package to obtain Luis Arraez…….the salaries traded pay at same level that Arraez $12M pays over remainder of season. ….. Larnach to DH - Arraez at 2B - Clemens and Keaschall man the corners in OF. Much more consistent output from Arraez in the 3 hole protecting Buxton batting 2nd!

Arraez back in the Twin’s dugout would help ease the sting of Bell & one of Catchers being traded.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Zyhir Hope is a very solid prospect, but we already have too many Lefty OFers. He would be great to add to an outfield with Jenkins and Buxton. Just too many other OF prospects waiting for a turn. 

Eyanson has good numbers, too. 

Not interested in any of the others as headliners in a deal. 

TBH, my preference would be to keep Jeffers and hit him with the qualifying offer for next season if we arent able to extend him. I think It would be difficult for him to reject that kind of payday. 

I would be trading Caratini. Keeping Alex Jackson. Jeffers and Jackson would be my preference for catcher the rest of this season and next year. Jeffers would get his desired workload and Jackson can give him a rest once a week or whatever is needed. 

[Parfigliano]

5 hours ago, ashbury said:

Outfield?  Oh, I hope I hope I hope he bats left handed and plays a corner.  (Checks the b-r.com link.)  He does, he does!  💕🌈🦄

It seems like TC is determined to set a record and play a game with nothing but LH corner outfielders and a P.

[Parfigliano]

3 hours ago, bjorks said:

Unless it's Dax Kilby, I'm not trading Jeffers. I'd be trying to move one of the other 2. If you get rid of Caratini's $7M and Jeffers signs the QO for $23, I would take 1 more year of Jeffers at $16M (NET). Gives Lackey a full year in A+/AA 

If Jeffers will not extend his TC contract you have to trade him or finish the year with him he leaves and TC gets nothing.

[Western SD Fan]

Everyone keeps discussing giving Jeffers the QO.  It seems I read somewhere that the MLBPA tried to get rid of this in the last negotiations and just didn't get the proposal to the finish line.  The owners were actually willing to make this concession, but they ended up not having to in the end, probably because any concessions the players would have to make wasn't worth it.  The MLBPA hates it as they feel it is a soft collusion tactic by the owners (they're not wrong) because it restricts where they can sign and how much money they can take because the signing team doesn't want to give up the draft pick or international bonus pool money. 

This puts the Twins in a sticky situation.  The deadline to offer Jeffers a QO will be mid-November prior to the official end of the current CBA on December 1st.  The QO may end up being eliminated as part of the CBA negotiations.  This idea concerns me more than what the QO amount would be and if Jeffers would accept it.  If the QO was eliminated as part of the new CBA, Jeffers could sign anywhere penalty free, and the Twins would unlikely bid for his services.  We then look at the real possibility that we lost Jeffers for nothing.  No trade, no draft picks.

I'm not trying to suggest that we must trade Jeffers.  I am saying is that this possibly needs to be part of the analysis built in on whether we trade or keep him.  Hopefully Tom P and Zoll are getting reports from the owner's negotiators on where they stand with this as part of their analysis.

[bjorks]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I agree on trading Caratini with high value for him……he’s under contract next year…. more leverage for immediate help. Offer Jeffers QO. Do we think there’s a spending floor for ownership? If yes, the may still be a chance to extend Jeffers past next year. ……. Assuming Lackey is in play for ‘28 so 1 more year of Jeffers seems to be sufficient. A spending floor changes things!……..Bell will be gone as well in ‘27…….Caratini & Bell make a combined $14M …… add that to Jeffers current $6M and you’re close to QO $$$

Hoping Caratini’s knee is OK - he looked pretty tender leaving the game tonight!

i felt that in Arizona, hopefully he caught a little quad and not just his knee cap

[clone52]

4 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

1 year, 23 million, that's the QO number.... Yes, I think he would. 

Diasgree.  I think he takes a Kirk deal 5/58 over a QO.

[clone52]

Jeffers, Larnach and Debarge to the Rays for Bodine and TJ Nichols.

Grab Goodman from the Rockies for Lee, Prielipp and Tait.

Ryan to the Dodgers for Sirota, Zazueta and Root (and probably a lotto pick or 2)

Acquire Soriano from the Angels for Keaschall, Soto and Young.

Also trade Bell Rogers and Wallner for something.

Payroll is down so sign Gausman and Arraez this off-season.  Both 2-3 year contracts worth 15-20 AAV.

 

 

[UK Twin]

9 hours ago, roger said:

If Jeffers has told the Twins he has zero interest in an extension, he should be traded no matter what the Twins do this week.

I don't think we should extend him anyway with Lackey being drafted. Jeffers will want 5 years minimum and rightly so. I would trade him because the catching market is so thin and we have Caratini and Jackson who are capable catchers. I think we could get someone to overpay for half a season of Jeffers.

[UK Twin]

5 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

1 year, 23 million, that's the QO number.... Yes, I think he would. 

Jeffers is not accepting a QO or short term contract. And nor should he. He's 29, a right handed hitting power hitting catcher and his ABS challenges behind the plate are excellent. He'll want and get a long term deal. The only potential issue is the lockout which will happen in the offseason but his market will be robust enough for him to sign before that happens.