Report: Ryan Jeffers Plans to Decline Qualifying Offer

[Cody Christie]

Ryan Jeffers appears ready to test his value on the open market. After receiving a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer from the Minnesota Twins, the veteran catcher reportedly plans to decline the offer and enter free agency.

A source told Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Minnesota Star Tribune that Jeffers intends to turn down the qualifying offer. This decision allows him to explore a potentially lucrative multiyear contract while giving Minnesota an opportunity to receive draft pick compensation if he signs with another organization.

This was the most likely outcome when the Twins extended the qualifying offer earlier this month. Jeffers has established himself as one of the better offensive catchers in baseball, and the limited number of quality options at the position should help his market. Accepting a one-year deal worth $23.15 million would have been a significant payday, but his performance could make a multiyear commitment more appealing.

Jeffers Is One of the Top Free Agents Available

Diamond Centric ranks Jeffers as the 10th-best overall free agent entering the offseason. That ranking highlights how unusual his offensive production is for a player at his position. Ed Hand offered the following assessment of the Twins catcher:

“Easily the best catcher available, Jeffers has hit with solid but unspectacular consistency. Though defensively mediocre, he’s a catcher, which makes his offensive prowess that much more significant. He slashed an impressive .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs, 56 RBI, 46 BB/66 K. Unfortunately, he was limited to just 369 PA after a fractured hamate bone caused him to miss nearly two months.”

Jeffers produced those numbers despite missing nearly two months with a fractured hamate bone. His .814 OPS demonstrated the type of offensive contribution teams covet from the catching position. He also showed an improved ability to get on base, drawing 46 walks compared to 66 strikeouts.

There are defensive limitations to consider, and his injury history will likely factor into contract negotiations. However, teams searching for offensive upgrades behind the plate won't find many comparable options in this year's free-agent class. That scarcity could work in Jeffers' favor as negotiations develop.

Twins Still Interested in a Reunion

Although Jeffers appears headed for free agency, that doesn't mean his time in Minnesota is necessarily over. General manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters at the General Managers Meetings that the Twins are interested in working out a long-term agreement with their catcher.

That interest is important because Minnesota has several decisions to make regarding its roster construction this winter. The organization needs to improve its pitching staff, but finding a reliable offensive catcher is another important piece of the puzzle.

The Twins could use the qualifying offer to secure draft compensation if Jeffers signs elsewhere. However, losing his production would create another hole for an organization already looking to rebuild portions of its roster.

Minnesota also has to consider the financial commitment required to retain him. Jeffers' ranking among the top free agents suggests he could command a substantial multiyear contract. The Twins must decide whether his offensive production and importance to the roster justify that investment.

Jeffers declining the qualifying offer is not necessarily the end of his Minnesota tenure. Both sides appear to have some interest in continuing the relationship, but the financial terms will ultimately determine whether a reunion makes sense. For now, Jeffers is expected to explore his options, and the Twins will have to compete with the rest of the league to keep one of their most productive offensive players.

 

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[DJL44]

Fantastic news for the Twins 

[Cory Engelhardt]

14 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Fantastic news for the Twins 

Yup. worst case they get a top 35 or so draft pick in a strong college pitching laden draft.

And really, they could always sign him to a 3 year deal too. But now he won't get just one year, and that's ok too.

[Peter Gravett]

A year or so of overlap with Lackey would be a good thing for all concerned. Also sends a great message to the team's most skeptical fans...

[DataNerd]

11 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Yup. worst case they get a top 35 or so draft pick in a strong college pitching laden draft.

And really, they could always sign him to a 3 year deal too. But now he won't get just one year, and that's ok too.

Technically he needs to get $50M, otherwise it will be around pick 75.  That also makes it much easier on the Twins to offer something like 3/50 and then they either get the higher pick or Jeffers (assuming he doesn't sign somewhere else for less).

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, DataNerd said:

Technically he needs to get $50M, otherwise it will be around pick 75.  That also makes it much easier on the Twins to offer something like 3/50 and then they either get the higher pick or Jeffers (assuming he doesn't sign somewhere else for less).

I know Jim Bowden said he would get 2/15 or something insane. But frankly between the scarcity of the position and how powerful his bat can be anyway, I'd be SHOCKED if he isn't getting at least 70 million in his contract.

If he knew he was only getting offers in the 40-48 million dollar range, I have to think taking that QO for 23.15 in 2027 looks better no?

[Sampson5]

3 for 45 or 4 for 60 would be cool although probably take more I'm not sure he's worth anymore then 15 aav which is why think some team overpays and twins take the pick and move on hopefully worst case they at least sign a quality replacement or trade if they don't like the options but gotta be a better plan then caratini plus jackson or a similar backup while caratini solid defender twins need some offense from the position while it's possible lackey is ready late next year think it's a lot more likely to be 2028 unless he starts at AA that's really only chance I think we'd see him as a late season callup I mean can't remember last hitter for twins to go from high A to the mlb especially one who was just drafted . It's to bad all our interesting catchers are still a ways away that's why I wouldn't be shocked if instead of fa they traded for a catcher to be the Jeffers replacement. Look forward to how real the Jeffers interest ends up will they actually make him a good enough offer where he considers return or is it just talk to say see we tried but couldn't get him to take it ? 

[Whitey333]

It would be nice if he signs a multi year deal with the Twins.  But I think he goes for bigger money somewhere else.  Hes been a decent but not great catcher.  IMO he isnt worth any more that a contract of $15 million or so per year.  Probably less.  He gone.  Bye bye.

  

[Coach JT]

Please Twins , put your Money in pitching and fielding and thank  Ryan but let him go . 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

There is zero downside to offering Jeffers a 3 year 50 million contract.   If he takes it, it honestly provides some upside as we could then be aggressive in going after Bednar.  I will say the front office has more information than we do, and even at the trade deadline it was pretty clear if they offered Jeffers the QO, he would turn it down and the Twins would get a compensatory pick.  

[DJL44]

26 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

There is zero downside to offering Jeffers a 3 year 50 million contract

If they’re willing to offer 3/50, they should be fine with 4/54. Make someone go above $54M. 

[tony&rodney]

What will the roster budget sit at on Opening Day? Doesn't it make a difference in any discussion on signing players? 

[nicksaviking]

5 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

What will the roster budget sit at on Opening Day? Doesn't it make a difference in any discussion on signing players? 

'We're never given any kind of salary restrictions, ever. It's the last thing on ownership's mind. We come to Tom Pohlad with ideas and on a case-by-case basis we discuss what would be the most helpful to our team. Then the front office, the manager and ownership always come to a consensus and sign the player if we think he can be an asset to us both on the field and in the clubhouse.'

[terrydactyls]

7 hours ago, Sampson5 said:

3 for 45 or 4 for 60 would be cool although probably take more I'm not sure he's worth anymore then 15 aav which is why think some team overpays and twins take the pick and move on hopefully worst case they at least sign a quality replacement or trade if they don't like the options but gotta be a better plan then caratini plus jackson or a similar backup while caratini solid defender twins need some offense from the position while it's possible lackey is ready late next year think it's a lot more likely to be 2028 unless he starts at AA that's really only chance I think we'd see him as a late season callup I mean can't remember last hitter for twins to go from high A to the mlb especially one who was just drafted . It's to bad all our interesting catchers are still a ways away that's why I wouldn't be shocked if instead of fa they traded for a catcher to be the Jeffers replacement. Look forward to how real the Jeffers interest ends up will they actually make him a good enough offer where he considers return or is it just talk to say see we tried but couldn't get him to take it ? 

All that said with only two periods and one question mark.  And remarkably, over 120 words before the first usage of punctuation.

[S Bart]

Gary Sanchez is available. 🤣

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

'We're never given any kind of salary restrictions, ever. It's the last thing on ownership's mind. We come to Tom Pohlad with ideas and on a case-by-case basis we discuss what would be the most helpful to our team. Then the front office, the manager and ownership always come to a consensus and sign the player if we think he can be an asset to us both on the field and in the clubhouse.'

It is abundantly clear there are limitations so that might be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  How can you possibly derive a strategy, determine priorities, and determine ideal targets without a budget.  

[MackMan]

5 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

It is abundantly clear there are limitations so that might be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  How can you possibly derive a strategy, determine priorities, and determine ideal targets without a budget.  

Well it is the Twins FO. They're used to doing things without a plan. Look at where the team is now due to not having plans for the future. We have a backlog of LHH corner OF's who are looking to be non-tendered, a lack of pitching coming up thru the minors, and a very poor insight for making trades.

Varland just won AL Reliever of the year, Duran finished Runner-up behind Miller in the NL, and we've let players go for nothing and they basically turned their careers around (Ty France). The Twins are probably the most incompetent FO outside of maybe Miami and LAA when it comes to building a team for success or making good move to put the team in a better situation. 

They keep making this a family affair at the helm, and it is not working out the way the fans want it to. If the Pohlad's would stop using the Twins as a way to take money and put it into their real estate business, we could actually be a decent team. If we would have spend some more money after 2023 when we made a good playoff run, we could have been in the situation of the Blue Jays in 2025. We have continually hamstrung ourselves by not making splashes in FA or trades. We have the talent from our homegrown players, we just need to fill a few holes to push us over the edge and be competitive. The White Sox did it right. They played the long game and it is starting to pay off for them. They have the talent, they supplemented thru trades and FA, and now they are looking to compete with Cleveland for many years in the Central. 

[jmlease1]

13 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I know Jim Bowden said he would get 2/15 or something insane. But frankly between the scarcity of the position and how powerful his bat can be anyway, I'd be SHOCKED if he isn't getting at least 70 million in his contract.

If he knew he was only getting offers in the 40-48 million dollar range, I have to think taking that QO for 23.15 in 2027 looks better no?

I think we can all ignore Bowden, and clearly Jeffers' agent has already determined that he'll do better than that idiotic estimate which is why he's going to turn it down.

But getting some stability for the next 3 seasons has real appeal and value beyond the pure cash of it, and while the $23M QO is great from a financial POV, if he get injured in 2027 he won't be getting $48M offers and might be getting a Bowden thrown at him as well. Being a FA catcher at 31 coming off 2 seasons with an injury is simply a different scenario. Lot easier to do the "bet on yourself" move when you're 27.

I suspect he's getting signs that 1 or more teams will be making him an offer of at least 3 years and at least $45-50M. Which he should, frankly. I'd make that offer if I'm the Twins.

[Cory Engelhardt]

10 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

I think we can all ignore Bowden, and clearly Jeffers' agent has already determined that he'll do better than that idiotic estimate which is why he's going to turn it down.

But getting some stability for the next 3 seasons has real appeal and value beyond the pure cash of it, and while the $23M QO is great from a financial POV, if he get injured in 2027 he won't be getting $48M offers and might be getting a Bowden thrown at him as well. Being a FA catcher at 31 coming off 2 seasons with an injury is simply a different scenario. Lot easier to do the "bet on yourself" move when you're 27.

I suspect he's getting signs that 1 or more teams will be making him an offer of at least 3 years and at least $45-50M. Which he should, frankly. I'd make that offer if I'm the Twins.

See, the Twins are already in for 23.15 for one year. I HAVE to think they would easily go 2/22 on top of that. Which is why I HAVE to think another team goes 4 years minimum.

[nicksaviking]

41 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

It is abundantly clear there are limitations so that might be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  How can you possibly derive a strategy, determine priorities, and determine ideal targets without a budget.  

Well I didn't use the double quotation marks because it wasn't a quote. I thought the single quotation mark, or apostrophe, would convey that this was a representation of the laughable claims about no salary mandate, that the front office regurtitates every year.

'I'll work harder to step up my satire game.'