Yankees' attempt to add Ryan Jeffers hits potential snag after Twins GM says team will be buyers
The Yankees are in need of a right-handed catcher, and with Twins backstop Ryan Jeffers on an expiring contract, it seems the Bronx would be the best fit.
Or so the baseball world thought.
Twins GM Jeremy Zoll spoke to the media, including The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, ahead of Tuesday’s series opener with the Royals, saying that the plan is to be buyers ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
“This has been what we were focusing on and what our pro personnel group over the last couple of months has been focused on — the ‘buy’ version of things,” Zoll said. “It wasn’t some situation where they were prepping to sell and we’re switching. Now we’re looking forward to try and execute on that work.”
Zoll said he hopes to improve the team’s bullpen and the Twins will be open to “creative paths.”
What that means for Jeffers’ future with Minnesota is unclear. Again, the 29-year-old catcher will be a free agent at the end of the season, which makes him a prime candidate to be dealt, but after Tuesday’s dramatic walk-off win, the Twins sit at 54-54 and just 0.5 games behind the Guardians for the final wild card spot.
Although the Twins have announced their trade deadline status, they could potentially look to upgrade their chances to make the postseason while also selling at the same time.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan spoke about the fit between the Yankees and Jeffers on hisSources Tell Jeff Passan web show on Tuesday, saying it feels “preordained” that a deal would be made.
“It feels like where Ryan Jeffers is going has been preordained for months now,” Passan said. “The Yankees need a right-handed hitter, they need power, and they need a catcher; and while there are other options out there, they are going to cost a whole lot more.”
Passan did acknowledge that if the Twins remain steadfast in trying to compete this season, it would make sense to keep Jeffers. However, Jeffers’ impending free agency leads Passan to believe that the catcher will still be dealt.
Minnesota does have Victor Caratini under contract, who is more than capable of stepping in to play full time as he did when Jeffers missed two months with a hamate bone fracture.
But if Jeffers is not on the market, the Yankees will have to look elsewhere. The Reds’ Tyler Stephenson has been linked to the Yankees as a potential alternative and the Marlins have reportedly made Liam Hicks available.
With just five more games before the Aug. 3 deadline, the baseball world will see if the Twins hold on to their position or change course.
