New Yankees Trade Rumors on Adley Rutschman, Catcher Interest Ahead of MLB Deadline

The New York Yankees have checked in on Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who provided more information on the Bronx Bombers' interest in acquiring a catcher prior to Monday's trade deadline.

Rutschman, who is hitting .251 (.764 OPS) with eight home runs and 47 RBI in 67 games, is currently on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 19 due to left wrist inflammation.

While current Yankees starting catcher Austin Wells has done a good job defensively, he has struggled at the plate, entering Wednesday hitting just .162 (.534 OPS) with seven home runs and 14 RBI in 73 games.

So the Yankees could use some help to improve at the position offensively. Rutschman, who is a free agent after the 2027 season, can certainly help matters.

However, the Yankees have looked into others, including Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on July 20 that the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays scouted Jeffers earlier this month.

The problem there, now, is that the team sees itself as a buyer, per Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll (h/t Matthew Leach of MLB.com).

Heyman also mentioned Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who would be an upgrade offensively. Stephenson entered Wednesday hitting .248 (.720 OPS) with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 81 games.

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman's name has been mentioned in trade talks, but Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported multiple MLB executives believe his chances of being traded sit at around 30 percent.

Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers' name was mentioned in trade rumors, but unfortunately, the talented backstop has suffered a season-ending torn meniscus.

Back to Rutschman, the talented Orioles star is an interesting name to be thrown in trade rumors considering he has long been considered a core piece of the team's future. Unfortunately, Baltimore's young and talented core has not really led to a winning formula, and the team currently sits with a 53-56 record.

The Orioles have a catcher signed through 2033 in 21-year-old Samuel Basallo, so in theory, they could trade Rutschman for more talent and build around Basallo at backstop.

However, one can guess the Orioles' asking price for the three-time All-Star might be high.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported on Monday that it seemed unlikely that the Yankees would shoot for a catcher at the top end of the position's market given the team's current belief in Wells.

"Multiple team sources, who were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor, said that while the Yankees are likely to add a catcher, it would be surprising if they swung a trade at the top of the market because of that belief in Wells."

Rutschman would appear to be at the top end given his resume, so perhaps that doesn't seem likely for the Yankees. Still, one can assume a new catcher will be making his way to the Bronx by Monday at 6 p.m. ET.