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The New York Yankees have the best record in the American League and can improve the roster at the trade deadline.
New York has a clear need for a right-handed hitting catcher. Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra have provided little on offense, and Wells' injury replacement, Ali Sanchez, is a short-term option.
ESPN's Buster Olney recently linked the Yankees to Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins, and he appears to be the best potential available backstop if the AL Central club decides to sell.
If Jeffers stays with the Twins or goes elsewhere, the Yankees could turn to the Baltimore Orioles. But the odds of the two AL East teams connecting for a trade seem unlikely.
"They also have been searching for a right-handed hitting catcher, with the Twins’ Ryan Jeffers being a name that’s been bandied about. They’d love to be able to find a way to trade for Adley Rutschman of the Orioles, but a blockbuster like that is unlikely," The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote Thursday.
"Other possibilities include Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals and Agustín Ramírez of the Marlins."
Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, would help the Yankees balance their lineup.
The switch-hitter has eight home runs and an .802 OPS after hitting just nine with a .673 OPS in 90 games in 2025.
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Rutschman is a major offensive upgrade over Wells and won't reach free agency until after the 2027 season.
Acquiring the former first overall pick seems more far-fetched than a deal for Jeffers, but the Yankees would be thrilled with either behind the plate.
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