New Yankees Trade Rumors Reveal Potential 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Target

The New York Yankees may be seeking an upgrade at catcher ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, "speculation persists" that the Yankees "will pursue" Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Jeffers, 29, is currently recovering from a left hamate fracture, and Rosenthal noted that he's a "potential free agent who could bring back bullpen help, and the Twins could replace him with Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson."

Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra have primarily handled catching duties this season, though neither have fared well, with the former hitting .153 with a .483 OPS and the latter hitting .188 with a .510 OPS.

Jeffers had a career year in 2024, hitting 21 homers, and he was having a strong campaign in 2026 before his injury, hitting .295 with seven homers, 26 RBI and a .949 OPS. That version of Jeffers would be a nice upgrade for the Yankees.