What changed
2026-07-31 20:00 UTC → 2026-08-07 23:34 UTC ·
added
removed
Yankees chase catcher, pursue catcher Jeffers, seek outfield upgrades before deadline
With Through the August 3 trade deadline looming, New York’s offensive slump has deepened. Aaron Judge was placed on 2026 season the 60‑day injured list New York Yankees have leaned on June 1 after a fractured rib, home‑grown talent – Aaron Judge, prospects Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice – while injuries to Judge, Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain) and Cody Bellinger (hamstring) remain sidelined. The Yankees now sit have left the club near the bottom of MLB in batting average (29th), average, on‑base percentage (30th) and runs scored (26th). scored. Manager Aaron Boone voiced frustration, saying has repeatedly warned that the team must “score a frickin’ point.” Catching remains a top priority. The generate offense before the August 3 trade deadline. A persistent weakness at catcher has kept the front office focused on Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers. Multiple reports from May through July describe Jeffers as the Yankees’ primary target, with the club continues prepared to pursue three‑time All‑Star Adley Rutschman and is scouting Ryan Jeffers, Tyler Stephenson, Hunter Goodman part with top prospects such as outfielder Ali Sánchez, right‑hander Ben Hess or other farm‑system pieces. The pursuit has been echoed by rival AL‑East clubs – the Tampa Bay Rays and Shea Langeliers. Veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt was signed to the Toronto Blue Jays – creating a minor‑league deal, and 21‑year‑old infielder Blake Schaaf was added quietly. potential bidding war. Outfield upgrades are also in focus. Interest persists in Los Angeles Angels right‑fielder Jo Adell, and the remain a priority. The Yankees have added power bat been linked to Jo Adell, Jorge Soler to their radar, and, more recently, veteran right‑fielder George Springer, with prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez mentioned as possible trade talks ongoing with assets. In the Angels and other clubs. The bullpen has steadied weeks surrounding the staff through contributions from Paul Blackburn deadline the Yankees signed veteran catcher Mitch Garver to a minor‑league deal and Angel Chivilli, though added outfielder Heliot Ramos and power hitter Luis García Jr., but the front office continues scouting high‑leverage arms. catcher position and right‑handed bat remain unresolved. The team has gone 11‑4 in its last 15 games without its injured stars, but club’s trade‑market activity, including speculation about a blockbuster deal for closer Mason Miller or a shortstop swap involving Anthony Volpe, underscores the cumulative setbacks heighten pressure to complete shore up the upgrades roster before the deadline. season’s second half.