If Yankees Want Ryan Jeffers, Twins Should Target These Prospects

[Matthew Taylor]

Image courtesy of Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

The trade market for Ryan Jeffers continues to gain momentum. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale (so, take it with a grain of salt, but still), rival executives now believe the Minnesota Twins are likely to trade Jeffers before the deadline, with the New York Yankees viewed as the leading destination. That report makes plenty of sense, given where both organizations currently stand. The Twins have difficult decisions looming as they weigh buying versus selling, while the Yankees have one of the biggest holes of any contender behind the plate.

Jeffers is enjoying the best season of his career, slashing .283/.390/.532 with nine home runs and a .922 OPS. He's been one of baseball's most productive offensive catchers, and after Shea Langeliers suffered a meniscus tear that could sideline him for the remainder of the season, Jeffers has arguably become the premier catcher available on the trade market.

That doesn't necessarily mean the Twins are about to land one of baseball's elite prospects, even if they do trade him. Jeffers is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, meaning any acquiring club would only receive roughly two months of regular-season production and a potential postseason run before he reaches the open market. Rental players rarely command elite prospect packages, regardless of how productive they have been.

Instead, Minnesota's return is more likely to center around a fringe top-100 prospect or a young major leaguer with several years of club control, paired with one or two spare parts. That's where the Yankees become particularly interesting.

According to MLB Pipeline, New York owns the fifth-weakest farm system in baseball. While the overall depth is lacking, there are still several intriguing pitchers who could make plenty of sense for Minnesota. If the Yankees ultimately become Jeffers's landing spot, these are some of the names the Twins should target.

Will Warren, RHP
Will Warren may no longer qualify as a prospect, but he should be one of the very first players Minnesota asks about. The 27-year-old has already established himself in the major leagues after debuting in 2024. The results have been inconsistent, as Warren owns a 4.75 ERA across 284 major league innings, but there is still plenty of upside to work with. 

His fastball has consistently overpowered hitters, limiting opponents to a .225 batting average against the pitch in each of the past two seasons. The raw stuff is evident, but command inconsistencies and the long ball have prevented everything from coming together. That's been especially apparent recently, with Warren allowing five or more earned runs in three of his last six starts, including a six-run outing against the Phillies on Sunday. Warren has a 6.57 ERA over his last eight starts. He was 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA in his first 12 starts of the season.

Despite the uneven results, Warren still carries significant value. He remains pre-arbitration, has four years of club control remaining after this season, and has proven to be one of baseball's most durable starters. He led the league with 33 starts last season and has already made 20 starts this year.

The Yankees also have a crowded rotation with Carlos Rodón expected to return from the injured list, making Warren a player they could consider moving for immediate help behind the plate. For the Twins, Warren represents exactly the type of pitcher their player development staff has had success refining. Whether he develops into a reliable mid-rotation starter or eventually shifts into a dominant late-inning reliever, his combination of velocity, durability, and years of control would make him an excellent centerpiece in a Ryan Jeffers trade.

Carlos Lagrange, RHP
Carlos Lagrange is the highest-upside pitching prospects in the Yankees organization. The 23-year-old is the No. 79 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline and No. 62 according to Baseball America. Standing 6-foot-7 with a fastball that routinely reaches triple digits, Lagrange possesses the elite arm talent that organizations dream on.

Last season, Lagrange posted a 3.53 ERA across 120 innings between High-A and Double-A while striking out hitters at an incredible 33.4% clip. His first taste of Triple-A has come with growing pains, as he owns a 5.26 ERA through 63 innings, but the strikeout ability has remained intact with an impressive 29.5%.

The Yankees certainly value Lagrange highly, but they also have plenty of starting pitching depth both in the majors and throughout the farm system. With another talented arm like Elmer Rodríguez climbing the ladder, New York could decide to move one of its top pitching prospects to address an immediate need behind the plate.

If the Twins are looking for the highest-upside prospect they could realistically land for Jeffers, Lagrange may be at the top of the list. Right now, though, it would be a massive risk to accept him as a headliner. He's currently shut down with a capsular sprain in his shoulder. Down that road lies a surgery that takes roughly 18 months to return from and imperils careers. Hopefully, Lagrange will avoid that fate by resting and rehabbing the sprain before it becomes a tear, but trading for him this month is probably a non-starter.

Ben Hess, RHP
If Minnesota cannot pry away Will Warren or one of the Yankees' top-100 prospects, Ben Hess could be another intriguing target. The first-round pick from the 2024 draft possesses the type of power arsenal teams covet. Hess stands 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds and features a fastball that sits between 94 and 99 mph with outstanding ride. He pairs it with a plus slider that has generated plenty of swings and misses.

At just 23 years old, Hess still has plenty of development ahead of him, but the raw ingredients are easy to dream on. He fits the mold of the high-upside pitching prospects the Twins have targeted in recent years, and he could become another important piece in Minnesota's growing stable of young arms.

Henry Lalane, LHP
Henry Lalane may be one of the more under-the-radar names in the Yankees organization, but he could also be one of the most intriguing. Once viewed as one of New York's better pitching prospects, Lalane saw his stock tumble after shoulder issues derailed his 2023 and 2024 seasons. He then missed most of 2025 while recovering from surgery.

This year has been a completely different story. Lalane has regained both his health and his stuff. His fastball now sits comfortably in the mid-90s and touches 98 mph. He complements it with a low-80s changeup and a high-70s slider. All three offerings project as at least above-average major-league pitches.

Standing 6-foot-7 and having just turned 21 years old, Lalane still possesses the physical tools to develop into a quality major-league starter—if he can stay healthy. The Yankees have understandably managed his workload carefully, but the results have been outstanding. After recently earning a promotion to High-A, Lalane owns a 3.01 ERA with 93 strikeouts in 71 innings.

His injury history adds some risk, but the upside of a potential mid-rotation left-handed starter makes him an intriguing piece for Minnesota to pursue.

The Yankees' farm system may not be as loaded as it has been in years past, but it still features several pitchers capable of helping the Twins both now and in the future. Whether the centerpiece is a controllable major-league arm like Will Warren or a high-ceiling prospect, Minnesota should have plenty of interesting options to discuss if trade talks surrounding Jeffers intensify over the coming days.

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If the Twins ultimately move Jeffers to New York, which Yankees prospect would you want to see included in the return? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

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[Nashvilletwin]

Warren plus one of Hess or Lalane for Jeffers (and maybe a throw in).

Otherwise it’s Tampa Bay.

[DJL44]

Good article 

[DJL44]

19 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Warren plus one of Hess or Lalane for Jeffers (and maybe a throw in).

Otherwise it’s Tampa Bay.

I think one of these pitchers and a lesser piece is probably all you get. Warren and Doval would be a good trade for the Twins.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

There will be plenty of suitors for Jeffers. The Yankees are without Bellinger for 4-6 weeks. Judge and Stanton continue to be out. Desperate times in the Bronx. If they want Jeffers, make them overpay.

[JD-TWINS]

30 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Warren plus one of Hess or Lalane for Jeffers (and maybe a throw in).

Otherwise it’s Tampa Bay.

Cashman isn’t an H addict …… 2 high end pitching prospects for TWO months of anyone?? ………Twins accept this all day, not happening!

[thelanges5]

Lagrange is out with a shoulder sprain and hasn’t thrown since early June. 
 

https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-carlos-lagrange-injury-severity-2026-07-05/

[thelanges5]

Not my money, but I prefer keep Jeffers and offer him the qualifying offer. Unless they get blown away, they should trade Caratini instead.
 

Lewis to the Angels for Zeferjahn

Wallner and Adams to Colorado for Vodnik

Caratini to the Rays for prospects

Bell to whoever for prospects

Larnach and ERod to Seattle for Hancock

[MIKEL]

There is no way the Twins will get any of those prospect ;;2-monthplayers for a 2 month rental

Maybe Will Warren but look at his last 10 starts, he has been among the worst starters in baseball,

[mike8791]

9 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Cashman isn’t an H addict …… 2 high end pitching prospects for TWO months of anyone?? ………Twins accept this all day, not happening!

These are the Yankees.  They can afford a new contract for Jeffers!  Warren + Rodriguez could be attainable if Twins added a top 10 prospect not named Jenkins to Jeffers.  With Bellinger down they need OF help - an area we have some surplus(Wallner, Gonzales, Mendez?).

[Major League Ready]

I would like to see them go for ceiling.  Warren's appeal is that he is ready now.  It's similar to the Taj Bradley trade but I don't see the same upside.   Abel, Prielipp, and Rojas all have dominant stuff. I would like to see the Twins get those guys established and build on them with prospects like LaGrange or Lalane.  Add them to Hill, Quick, Soto, and Ellwanger and I like our chances at a dominant rotation.

[JD-TWINS]

2 minutes ago, mike8791 said:

These are the Yankees.  They can afford a new contract for Jeffers!  Warren + Rodriguez could be attainable if Twins added a top 10 prospect not named Jenkins to Jeffers.  With Bellinger down they need OF help - an area we have some surplus(Wallner, Gonzales, Mendez?).

A Top 10 prospect is not the “throw-in” mentioned originally.

Wallner cannot play OF much better than Yankees DH. Gonzalez & Mendez aren’t going to replace Bellinger, now. Neither has seen MLB ………they aren’t playing in the Twin’s OF, how are they heading to NY and stepping in for Bellinger??

Lots of Teams will have enough $$ to sign Jeffers.

[Peter Gravett]

13 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Not my money, but I prefer keep Jeffers and offer him the qualifying offer. Unless they get blown away, they should trade Caratini instead.
 

Lewis to the Angels for Zeferjahn

Wallner and Adams to Colorado for Vodnik

Caratini to the Rays for prospects

Bell to whoever for prospects

Larnach and ERod to Seattle for Hancock

Bold...I like it...

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

20 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Lagrange is out with a shoulder sprain and hasn’t thrown since early June. 
 

https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-carlos-lagrange-injury-severity-2026-07-05/

Perfect for the Twins!

[Nashvilletwin]

31 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Cashman isn’t an H addict …… 2 high end pitching prospects for TWO months of anyone?? ………Twins accept this all day, not happening!

Fine, then he gets traded to Tampa….and Cashman can pound sand.  

[mike8791]

16 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

A Top 10 prospect is not the “throw-in” mentioned originally.

Wallner cannot play OF much better than Yankees DH. Gonzalez & Mendez aren’t going to replace Bellinger, now. Neither has seen MLB ………they aren’t playing in the Twin’s OF, how are they heading to NY and stepping in for Bellinger??

Lots of Teams will have enough $$ to sign Jeffers.

A few(not lots) of teams could sign Jeffers but the Yanks have the $ to outbid other suitors, particularly if they give up Warren and a top prospect.  Jeffers would fit in perfectly to the Yanks long term goal of contending every year.  Agree that Wallner, et. al. could not step in as an equal replacement for Bellinger, but the Twins have a good enough minor league system to sweeten the pot, e.g., Tait, Rojas, Quick, Hill,  to get a deal done.  I do, however,  have some reservations about Warren's falloff and believe Hancock would be a better choice if at all possible.

[HeresWaldo]

"That doesn't necessarily mean the Twins are about to land one of baseball's elite prospects". Well don't trade him then. 

Tom Froemming pointed out last night that the Twins are actually tied for the 3rd best record in the AL since June 1st. In that span - which is a significant part of the season - they've been better than the White Sox, Guardians, Rays, Yankees, and Mariners who are also fighting for playoff spots.

Yes Jeffers could bring something back in trade because he's good, but we could also just let him be a good player on our pretty good team and try to win some games in October. If the Yankees want to send us Lombard or some other team wants to make a clearly unwise decision on that level, let them. But why are we trading away premium players off a pretty good roster in exchange for prospects who wouldn't crack the top five in our minor league system? We should be lightly buying not selling.

 

[LewFordLives]

28 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Not my money, but I prefer keep Jeffers and offer him the qualifying offer. Unless they get blown away, they should trade Caratini instead.

Caratini is under contract next year for a very reasonable $7 million. If they trade Caratini and Jeffers walks at the end of the year it would leave Jackson as the only semi-legit catcher on the roster for 2027. Caratini isn't going anywhere.

[Major League Ready]

13 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Fine, then he gets traded to Tampa….and Cashman can pound sand.  

Who are you getting from the Rays?

[Hashim]

Why mention/headline Lagrange or Hess when Elmer Rodriguez is available and ready for MLB. We don’t need anymore injury prone pitchers. 

[HeresWaldo]

31 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Not my money, but I prefer keep Jeffers and offer him the qualifying offer. Unless they get blown away, they should trade Caratini instead.
 

Lewis to the Angels for Zeferjahn

Wallner and Adams to Colorado for Vodnik

Caratini to the Rays for prospects

Bell to whoever for prospects

Larnach and ERod to Seattle for Hancock

Hancock isn't happening for a package where Larnach plays any kind of meaningful role. I like Larnach, but Hancock is the best pitching prospect in baseball and a concensus top 5 globally. He's probably off-limits under any circumstance, but in a world where we could get him the package would probably look something like him for Joe Ryan + ERod + another of our top 5 prospects. I keep seeing things on this site that suggest we should trade for him and I do not understand why anyone thinks that's got even a remote chance of happening. If hypothetically someone managed to trade for him the headline player going the other way would be a superstar capable of joining Julio as a face of their franchise.

[Parfigliano]

54 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

There will be plenty of suitors for Jeffers. The Yankees are without Bellinger for 4-6 weeks. Judge and Stanton continue to be out. Desperate times in the Bronx. If they want Jeffers, make them overpay.

Always make the Yankees overpay.

[Parfigliano]

41 minutes ago, MIKEL said:

There is no way the Twins will get any of those prospect ;;2-monthplayers for a 2 month rental

Maybe Will Warren but look at his last 10 starts, he has been among the worst starters in baseball,

But there is much raw stuff in Warren to work with.

[MGX]

4 minutes ago, HeresWaldo said:

Hancock isn't happening for a package where Larnach plays any kind of meaningful role. I like Larnach, but Hancock is the best pitching prospect in baseball and a concensus top 5 globally. He's probably off-limits under any circumstance, but in a world where we could get him the package would probably look something like him for Joe Ryan + ERod + another of our top 5 prospects.

Are you confusing Hancock with Kade Anderson? Hancock has been pitching in MLB since 2023.

[twinfan]

I've said this before. We'll trade Jeffers for Jason Dominguez, Camilo Doval and Luis(?) Gil. I want proven major league talent, not minor league suspects.

[Riverbrian]

I'm not sure what the Yankees will give up for a two month rental. I'm not in the room and have never been in the room. 

Based on what typically comes back for higher end rentals like Jeffers. I wouldn't expect any players ranked in the top 5 of any organization. it's more likely you get a couple of players ranked in double digits... 10 or higher. 

Maybe 3 if they really really really need a catcher. 

[DJL44]

49 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Lagrange is out with a shoulder sprain and hasn’t thrown since early June. 
 

https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-carlos-lagrange-injury-severity-2026-07-05/

That might be the only reason he is attainable 

[twinfan]

And while we are tossing other names around, let's trade 2 prospects to the Mets for Lindor.

[chpettit19]

No interest in Warren. 

The others are intriguing, though. Jeffers is likely to be highly desirable at the deadline as there's multiple teams that really need a catcher. Lagrange is who I'd prefer. Hess is intriguing as well. But those are probably the types of guys they can hope on with a bidding war. Borderline top 100 guys.

[chpettit19]

9 minutes ago, HeresWaldo said:

Hancock isn't happening for a package where Larnach plays any kind of meaningful role. I like Larnach, but Hancock is the best pitching prospect in baseball and a concensus top 5 globally. He's probably off-limits under any circumstance, but in a world where we could get him the package would probably look something like him for Joe Ryan + ERod + another of our top 5 prospects. I keep seeing things on this site that suggest we should trade for him and I do not understand why anyone thinks that's got even a remote chance of happening. If hypothetically someone managed to trade for him the headline player going the other way would be a superstar capable of joining Julio as a face of their franchise.

Hancock is not a prospect. You may be thinking of Kade Anderson. And, no, he's not available for any realistic package.

Hancock wouldn't be available for the Larnach centered package either, but he's not a prospect. The Mariners want right-handed bats. Jeffers is the piece you're trying to sell there. It'd take more than that, but Jeffers is the best piece they have in a possible Hancock deal.