If Yankees Want Ryan Jeffers, Twins Should Target These Prospects

[jorgenswest]

Lalane is a few years away and they would need to put him in the 40 to protect him from rule 5. He would be a burden on the 40. Once he arrives he will have exhausted a few options and have a small window to establish himself.

Warren doesn’t miss bats. He is 27 so unless he moves to the bullpen I would think he is more similar to Woods Richardson. I don’t see the upside. He is actually the kind of player to look for in a Wallner deal. Someone 27-29 that has shown flashes.

 I would keep him and make the qualifying offer over these two. The comp pick or year of Jeffers would be more valuable.

 

 

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, old nurse said:

Looking back over the last 10 years, in the deadline rental trades the Yankees haven’t given up much more than a replacement level payer. Even in the non rental players it is rare for them to give up much. 

Brian Cashman is entrenched in his job because, while not flashy, he is very smart and never gets taken advantage of, often taking advantage of others. 

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Here is a question, Matthew. What if Jeffers is traded to the Yankees or Rays. And what if Jeffers, with his insider's knowledge of the Twins' hitters and pitchers. is the catcher for the Twins' opposition in this year's playoffs. I think that gives the opposition a unique advantage over the Twins. Jeffers must be loyal to his current team, be it the dreaded Yankees or the irascible Rays.  

The Empire can no longer be Evil if Jeffers infiltrates it.

[Road trip]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Two months of a catcher. He will play about 30 regular season games for his new employer.

In my mind that kind of misses the point.  Barring an epic collapse the Yankees are almost certain to get a playoff spot.  They aren't looking to improve to make the playoffs.  They are looking to improve so they win the pennant.  Anything less is viewed as a failed season for that franchise.  Jeffers would likely start every playoff game, and NY expects to play a lot of those.

IF the Twins want to trade Jeffers, encouraging a bidding war between NY and Tampa will help increase the price.  Those are the two clear favorites from the AL.

And I really hate the idea of Jeffers in pinstripes...  ouch.  I'm still traumatized from trading them Butch Wynegar for absolutely nobody that worked out.

[Patzky]

46 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Free agents for 2027:

Jeffers, Tyler Stephenson, Garver, Carson Kelly, Austin Hedges, Jake Rogers

***Mickey Gasper

[DJL44]

15 minutes ago, Road trip said:

In my mind that kind of misses the point.  Barring an epic collapse the Yankees are almost certain to get a playoff spot.  They aren't looking to improve to make the playoffs.  They are looking to improve so they win the pennant.  Anything less is viewed as a failed season for that franchise.  Jeffers would likely start every playoff game, and NY expects to play a lot of those.

IF the Twins want to trade Jeffers, encouraging a bidding war between NY and Tampa will help increase the price.  Those are the two clear favorites from the AL.

And I really hate the idea of Jeffers in pinstripes...  ouch.  I'm still traumatized from trading them Butch Wynegar for absolutely nobody that worked out.

It does contrast the value each team would get from having Jeffers.

[LA Vikes Fan]

2 hours 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

Interesting. Not sure I like it because I don't think Jeffers is back after this year and I htink the return for Lewis is light. How about this where we trade Jeffers to Seattle who desparately needs RH hitting And a catcher with Raleigh hurt and not performing.

Lewis to Angels for Bachman, plus Zeferjahn or Silseth. We throw in Yasser Mercedes if necessary.   

Wallner and Adams to Colorado for Vodnik.

Jeffers and Erod to Seattle for Hancock and Ferrer or Speier.

Bell for prospects - don't care one way or the other. 

Culpepper and either Gray or Ben Ross come up to replace Lewis and Jeffers. Clemens goes back to 1B, with Bell and Jackson in reserve. Culpepper plays 2B, Gray or Ross is UTL. 

Hancock is #4 in rotation replacing Matthews who goes to AAA until Prielipp needs to go to the bullpen. Bullpen gets Bachman, Zeferjahn, Vodnik, Ferrer, loses Adams, Funderburk to AAA, Rojas to AAA building up as a starter and Sands to the IL or AAA (he's not ready yet). If we can only get one reliever for Lewis, Rojas stays. 

[thelanges5]

25 minutes ago, Patzky said:

***Mickey Gasper

[LA Vikes Fan]

I realize Jeffers is only a rental but these 4 guys don't do a lot for me. Maybe if we could get 2 of them , like Warren and Hess, I'd be interested but I understand that seems too rich from the Yankees side. So here's my idea, one of these pitchers plus an IF prospect:

Jeffers for Benn Hess and Kaeden Kent.

Still not very exciting. Trade with the Mariners for Hancock and be willing ot add Emma if they are willing to add Ferrer or Speier. If you can't do that, pivot to Tampa. Tell NY that they have to trade us Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz or Spencer Jones for us to be interested. Those 2 are worth more than Jeffers so we'll throw in a 25-30 prospect. If they won't do that, the Yankees don't have what we need. If we're just trading him "for the best we can get", go to Tampa or Seattle. 

 

[LewFordLives]

38 minutes ago, Patzky said:

***Mickey Gasper

Assuming he doesn't accept the Qualifying Offer.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

Question for folks: Does Joe Ryan having his start pushed back nearly a full time through the rotation after giving up his annual billion homer game make you more inclined to move Jeffers? Less inclined? No change?

If Ryan goes out Wednesday and doesn't look like himself, knowing he's faded in every 2nd half in his career, does it change your perception on the Twins chances at making the playoffs and thus whether or not we should trade Jeffers?

Good question.   It does not change my mind about trading Jeffers.  Don't trade Jeffers unless there is an offer the Twins can't refuse.The Twins are on the cusp of greatness. I hope those that advocate trading Ryan will think about this and realize this is sorta the situation the Twins will be in next year if Ryan is traded now. I know Lopez will be back, but Lopez may not be  as effective next year after his injury.

[Mike Sixel]

I like Hess of those options. I'd want another product back in addition to him, just a random guy with one pitch or something. 

If you want to go big, include Tait and get Elmer Rodriguez and another prospect. 

[Stew]

Twins could get more from yankees. Send jeffers and larnach to them. Get hess and one of the other pitching prospects mentioned. Also we would be over paying, so throw in a  good major league reliever. They are presently missing a lot of there hitting. The twins they would get would make up for some of that. They are mostly our best right and left handed hitters. Not in every category but overall.these moves would mean we would still be in contention. And could work out a better deal with Ryan. Remember one thing whatever you are willing to pay someone. Will likely be about half. They don't get paid during a lockout. Also the twins will likely save some money next year on lopez. They won't hang on to him all year. He will be a trade candidate.

[chpettit19]

22 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Good question.   It does not change my mind about trading Jeffers.  Don't trade Jeffers unless there is an offer the Twins can't refuse.The Twins are on the cusp of greatness. I hope those that advocate trading Ryan will think about this and realize this is sorta the situation the Twins will be in next year if Ryan is traded now. I know Lopez will be back, but Lopez may not be  as effective next year after his injury.

Cusp of greatness? That is quite the statement. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Tell NY that they have to trade us Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz or Spencer Jones for us to be interested. Those 2 are worth more than Jeffers so we'll throw in a 25-30 prospect. If they won't do that, the Yankees don't have what we need. If we're just trading him "for the best we can get", go to Tampa or Seattle. 

Welcome to pinstripes, Tyler Stephenson.

[DJL44]

22 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Cusp of greatness? That is quite the statement. 

They’re on the cusp of .500. Is that greatness?

[hitterscount]

About 2, maybe 3, in 10 top minor league prospects for any organization end up making any significant impact on their MLB teams. If we were a legit playoff contender I would hold on to Jeffers, I just don’t think we are, however, am  still be inclined to hold onto to him through the season and hopefully a playoff series. What type of contract is he expected to sign for? Is there any chance he re-signs for a bargain being we drafted and developed him… I know he has a no trade clause, but Buxton would be the guy I would like to see moved….. would probably get some decent prospects in return for the often injured CF.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

About 2, maybe 3, in 10 top minor league prospects for any organization end up making any significant impact on their MLB teams. If we were a legit playoff contender I would hold on to Jeffers, I just don’t think we are, however, am  still be inclined to hold onto to him through the season and hopefully a playoff series. What type of contract is he expected to sign for? Is there any chance he re-signs for a bargain being we drafted and developed him… I know he has a no trade clause, but Buxton would be the guy I would like to see moved….. would probably get some decent prospects in return for the often injured CF.

Why would he sign for a bargain? If he would, he would be signed already, IMO. 

[hitterscount]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Why would he sign for a bargain? If he would, he would be signed already, IMO. 

I don’t know him, but why did Buxton? Maybe giving up  a little $$$ to stay in the city you have been in for years and not uprooting your family has some value…. maybe not, but Jeffers is a top tier C and team leader, I personally would pay him before extending a pitcher, much like Milwaukee and Conterras.

[amjgt]

I'm pretty on record as being against trading Jeffers and attempting to secure him in 2027 via the QO, but much like no prospects ever being "untouchable" (there's always a price), no player on the Twins is untouchable. 

So, yeah, if the Yankees (or any teams) want to make what I view as an overpay for 2 months of Jeffers, then I'm open to the idea, the same way I looked at the Duran and Jax trades last year (I know... different situation) and thought "Yeah... for those prospects I guess I'm ok with it."

But I'm not out there LOOKING for a Jeffers deal. I'm letting teams come to me with an offer than I'm going to have a tough time saying no to.

[bean5302]

Jeffers' is a rental. No QO option for any team that acquires him, and if the Twins keep him, extending a QO to him is highly questionable.

If we look at the absolute ceiling of value, you'd have to figure $15MM surplus, and that's if the market is thirsty. Think a back end rotation arm who hasn't established themselves like Zebby or Morris at the deadline last year or a guy who has no real upside but is more established like SWR last year. Or a low minors prospect with a lot of ceiling like a Dasan Hill or a high minors prospect with a low ceiling and a high floor like a Gabriel Gonzalez.

Jeffers' free agent value is probably in line with an absolute ceiling of Willson Contreras' 5yrs $88MM at this point, though Jeffers' production is about 2/3rds of Contreras over their careers up to the free agency point with Jeffers probably getting 3-4 at $15MM AAV. To get Jeffers to skip free agency, the Twins are probably going to need to overpay now so 4-5 years at $60-70MM is my guess. That's a lot to pay for a historical 2 WAR player.

 

[sweetmusicviola16]

44 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

About 2, maybe 3, in 10 top minor league prospects for any organization end up making any significant impact on their MLB teams. If we were a legit playoff contender I would hold on to Jeffers, I just don’t think we are, however, am  still be inclined to hold onto to him through the season and hopefully a playoff series. What type of contract is he expected to sign for? Is there any chance he re-signs for a bargain being we drafted and developed him… I know he has a no trade clause, but Buxton would be the guy I would like to see moved….. would probably get some decent prospects in return for the often injured CF.

If an extension was happening I believe it would have already. Jeffers is going to be an FA. That's not a question at this point. Many advocate extending him the QO. Very doubtful this happens. Like it or not this team has a budget and has to fit that budget. Paying Jeffers 21-22 mil will be very hard to justify. If Caratini is kept that puts the C position at close to 30mil in 2027. I just don't see that happening. And if it did along with any arb raises how does having that kind of money invested in Jeffers allow for other moves to improve the club? There is very little chance of Ryan Jeffers being a Twin after 2026, the Twins see this happening too which is why Caratini is signed for next season already. The question is if trading him can improve the teams future enough to justify trading him now. I'm not thrilled with the players mentioned in this article from NYY. 

[ashbury]

4 hours ago, Patzky said:

***Mickey Gasper

3 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

The Last Gasp if you really don't have a catcher.

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Welcome to pinstripes, Tyler Stephenson.

LOL. 

(Skip this if computer games annoy you.)

The other day I fired up an up-to-date set of rosters in the OOTP game, for the purpose of letting it run two or three days of simulation to see what foolishness might arise on the waiver wire (I had been in a discussion on their website regarding a possible bug that I  ... oh never mind 😄 ).  Your post prompted me to check something about Tyler Stephenson, and I couldn't find him on the Reds.  Lo and behold, the very first day of the simulation, the Rays had traded for him!  They gave up a package of 5 prospects, three outside the top-20 listed at mlb.com's prospects page, and two others not even in that top 30.  Before anyone wastes the effort to say it - "it's just a game!" - yes, it's just a game, and it's for fun.  Still, it made me LOL, out loud, laughing even.  Great minds, whether AI or human, all seem to think alike, and the Rays and Yankees could be dueling for the same catching reinforcements.

[Patzky]

7 minutes ago, ashbury said:

LOL. 

(Skip this if computer games annoy you.)

The other day I fired up an up-to-date set of rosters in the OOTP game, for the purpose of letting it run two or three days of simulation to see what foolishness might arise on the waiver wire (I had been in a discussion on their website regarding a possible bug that I  ... oh never mind 😄 ).  Your post prompted me to check something about Tyler Stephenson, and I couldn't find him on the Reds.  Lo and behold, the very first day of the simulation, the Rays had traded for him!  They gave up a package of 5 prospects, three outside the top-20 listed at mlb.com's prospects page, and two others not even in that top 30.  Before anyone wastes the effort to say it - "it's just a game!" - yes, it's just a game, and it's for fun.  Still, it made me LOL, out loud, laughing even.  Great minds, whether AI or human, all seem to think alike, and the Rays and Yankees could be dueling for the same catching reinforcements.

Stephenson having a good day at the plate against the Guards but Jose Ramirez is running like a Candidate all over him.  5-5 in 7th.

[Patzky]

Going with what got us here. Royceless.