New York Yankees target catcher Ryan Jeffers ahead of trade deadline

The New York Yankees, whose catching production ranks at the bottom of Major League Baseball, have publicly signaled strong interest in Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Jeffers, a 29‑year‑old right‑hander, posted a .295/.408/.541 slash line with seven home runs, 26 RBIs and a .949 OPS over 37 games before a left hamate fracture sidelined him. The injury makes his recovery timeline uncertain, but the Yankees see him as a rare power‑hitting catcher who could lift a struggling lineup.

Minnesota, out of the AL Central race and facing a rebuild, is expected to be a seller, especially since Jeffers is a pending free agent. The Tampa Bay Rays have also been linked to the player, suggesting a potential bidding war that could drive up the price. Yankees executives, including GM Brian Cashman, have described Jeffers as a “real fix” for their catching woes, with former MLB executive Jim Bowden confirming that the interest is “very real.”