Yankees are 'leading candidate' to trade for .922 OPS Twins catcher who's likely to be dealt

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The New York Yankees are going to be buying at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and there are plenty of options that they could end up pursuing by the August 3 deadline.

But, there is one name who's been consistently linked to the Yankees this summer who could provide a major upgrade at the catcher position.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that not only are the Minnesota Twins likely to trade away this player, Ryan Jeffers, by the deadline, but the Yankees are considered the "leading candidate" to get him this summer.

Yankees 'leading candidate' to trade for Ryan Jeffers

"Rival teams now believe that the Minnesota Twins will trade catcher Ryan Jeffers, with the Yankees the leading candidate to sign him," Nightengale writes.

Nightengle's note on the Yankees being the "leading candidate" for Jeffers this summer is a huge one, as there's now a much better chance Jeffers comes to New York than before.

There was some speculation for a little while that Jeffers might not be traded, but now, he's looking likely to be traded, with the Yankees the top option for him this summer.

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He's a 29-year-old rental catcher who has a .922 OPS this season with nine home runs in 152 at-bats with a .283 batting average and 2.1 bWAR.

Considering how little production the Yankees have gotten from the catcher spot this season, Jeffers would be a massive upgrade. Austin Wells would be relegated to a backup, and Jeffers would instantly upgrade the offense.

The Yankees and Jeffers have been linked this summer often, and now, with just about a week to go until the deadline, the Yankees are the "leading candidate" to acquire the veteran catcher.

This is some great news for the Yankees, as Shea Langeliers might miss the entire season, and Hunter Goodman might not be traded. Jeffers is probably the best catcher available this summer, and the Yankees are the leaders in the clubhouse to trade for him.