New York Yankees pursue Ryan Jeffers to bolster catcher position

The New York Yankees, currently atop the AL East, are seeking to improve a persistently weak catcher spot. Starting pitcher Austin Wells has been on the injured list since early June, and his performance when healthy has been uneven, prompting the club to look for a complementary right‑handed bat.

Analysts note that Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers fits the Yankees’ needs. Jeffers, a 29‑year‑old who posted a .295/.408/.541 slash line before a hand injury in May, would likely require the Yankees to part with a high‑quality prospect such as outfielder Ali Sanchez and right‑handed pitcher Ben Hess, a top‑five prospect in the Yankees farm system. The trade would come before the July deadline as the Twins consider Jeffers’ pending free‑agency status.

Both clubs see the move as mutually beneficial: the Yankees could address a glaring lineup weakness, while the Twins would gain promising talent in return.