Rays predicted to steal All-Star catcher from Yankees in blockbuster trade

Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Yerry de Los Santos (73) is relieved in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees need an upgrade at the catcher's position. 

That's no secret. Austin Wells has had a poor season in terms of nearly every offensive metric. 

But will their division rivals make a stronger offer for an All-Star catcher from the NL West if he's made available? 

New York is chasing the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings, a team they could finish second to both on the field and in their respective front offices at the trade deadline. 

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer predicted that the Rays will outbid the Yankees for Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies. 

Rays predicted to outbid Yankees for Goodman

"If nothing else, though, here's why this fit is perfect: Goodman's 30 homers through 93 games this year is more than the Rays have gotten from their catchers in the last three seasons combined," Rymer wrote. 

There's no guarantee that Goodman, who has 30 home runs with an .881 OPS in 93 games, will be moved. He is under club control through the 2029 season. 

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The Rockies must decide if the organization feels strongly about contending with the 26-year-old over the next few seasons. If not, the Yankees and Rays will be at the forefront of trade discussions. 

"He must decide whether Hunter Goodman [Paul DePodesta] is a can't-miss building block, or a can't-miss trade chip. There are surely more than a couple teams crossing their fingers for the latter," Rymer added. "With back-to-back All-Star selections to his name and 30 home runs already this year, Goodman is theoretically the prized hitter on the market." 

Both the Yankees and Rays have an obvious need at catcher. Goodman may wind up the top backstop available, but it will come down to which club makes the strongest offer. 

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