The New York Yankees could explore the trade market to fill some needs this offseason.
New York has some areas of need this offseason, but adding another catcher is a key need. Ben Rice is likely to be the full-time first baseman, so the Yankees will need to find someone to pair with Austin Wells.
MLB analyst Jake Storiale of Talkin’ Yankees predicts the Yankees will trade for Ryan Jeffers from the Minnesota Twins.
“Ryan Jeffers from the Minnesota Twins. Career has hit pretty impressive numbers. … Big-time lefty masher, so in a way, you are putting pressure on Austin Wells. … Someone asked Jeff Passan who the best thinker is in the game, and he easily said Ryan Jeffers,” Storiale said.
“You would be adding someone to the organization who has a go-to skill; they hit vs. lefties. He’s been a Major League catcher for a while. Knowledgeable about the game. It’s Ryan Jeffers; he’s slated to make around $6 (million) in arb. Jeffers as the righty catcher.”
Jeffers is under team control for two more years and is predicted to earn $6.5 million in arbitration, according to Spotrac.
Jeffers would complement Wells and form a catching tandem. He could also be a middle-of-the-order bat, especially against left-handers. He hit .266 with 9 home runs and 47 RBIs last season, while his career-high is 21 home runs and 64 RBIs.
Yankees Could Need Another Catcher
New York is likely to look to add another catcher, as the backup catcher was an issue all season.
Along with that, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed Rice could be the team’s everyday first baseman.
“He very well could be,” Cashman said during a Zoom call at the GM Meetings. “I view Ben Rice as having an everyday role in the big leagues for us next year, whether it’s at first… right now the lane is first base, I have no doubt teams will continue to come after our players, Rice included, for trade conversations.
“But as of right now, yeah, he’s in our lineup, and the more likely spot would be first base. But he can catch, as well. I have [Austin] Wells is our catcher, and him at first, but, again, you never know how the winds of change blow here every winter. And they’ll be challenge trades made to us or by us, and most will lead nowhere, with one team insulting the other, vice versa. More likely than not, I see him at first base, without a doubt.”
If Rice does move to first base, adding a catcher to pair with Wells makes a ton of sense for the Yankees.
Cashman Opens Up on Yankees Catching Depth
New York used a catching pairing of Wells and J.C. Escarra last season, but the Yankees could look to upgrade.
Many think the Yankees need to add a righty catcher, but Cashman said he will only add one if it’s necessary.
“Only if we like one well enough,” Cashman said. “You’d like to have the balance if you can have it, no doubt about it. The catching market is very thin, but we’ll see. It’s a benefit of having balance at, without a doubt. So we’ll see if something presents itself here in the marketplace.”
The Yankees have both Wells and Escarra under contract for 2026.
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