Yankees Want a Catcher and Ryan Jeffers Is Reportedly First on Their List

The New York Yankees are making a playoff push, and they are not being subtle about what they want at the trade deadline. According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are openly pursuing Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Jeffers has been one of the few bright spots in a Twins offense that has struggled to find consistency this season. Through 50 games, he is hitting .295 with seven home runs and 26 RBI. But there is a catch: Jeffers is currently sidelined with an injury. The team has not said when he is expected back, but that has not stopped the Yankees from showing serious interest.

The Twins are sitting at 37-41, third in the AL Central, and looking like sellers at the deadline. That puts Jeffers — a controllable asset with team-friendly years — in play for a contender like New York.

This is not the only name the Yankees are sniffing around. They have also been linked to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, which shows they are looking to add both pitching and catching depth.

Catcher Market Options Beyond Jeffers

If Jeffers does not end up in pinstripes, the Yankees have other options. CBS Sports reported that the team is specifically targeting a right-handed hitting catcher, which makes sense given their current lefty-heavy lineup.

Jake Rogers of the Tigers and Christian Vázquez of the Astros are two lower-cost alternatives. Rogers has some pop but is not hitting for average this year. Vázquez is a veteran with playoff experience and a right-handed bat, but he has not been the same hitter he was a few years ago.

Austin Wells is currently the Yankees’ primary catcher, and he has been solid defensively. But his bat has been quiet — he is hitting below the Mendoza line — and that opens the door for the front office to make a move without completely benching him. The team could bring in a platoon partner or a straight-up starter.

Pressure Is On in the Bronx

The Yankees made the World Series in 2024 and lost. Then they got bounced in the ALDS by Toronto in 2025. Aaron Boone has been the manager since 2018 and still does not have a ring. The window is open, but it is not going to stay open forever.

New York entered Sunday with a 46-29 record and the lead in the AL East. The trade deadline is August 3. Expect Brian Cashman to be aggressive.