Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins are one of the hottest teams in baseball. They’ve won 8 of their last 10 games and own a 19-11 record going back to June 10 — a stretch that finally has them back at .500 (49-49) for the first time since April 22.
For a team and organization that’s been very public about their intentions to buy at the MLB trade deadline, the timing of their glow-up couldn’t be better. The MN Twins have 15 games between now and August 3, following a 5-2 victory Friday at Wrigley Field over the Chicago Cubs.
In their first game back off the 2026 All-Star break, Bailey Ober — who recently returned from the injured list — looked shaky early, but settled in to allow just 2 runs on 5 hits in 5.1 innings pitched, striking out seven along the way.
Ryan Jeffers carries Twins to victory over Cubs
Offensively, Trevor Larnach got the party started for Minnesota in the third inning when he hit an opposite-field RBI single that scored Luke Keaschall from third base and tied the game 1-1.
The very next batter was Ryan Jeffers, who belted a three-run dinger over the left field ivy to give the Twins a 4-1 lead that they showed absolutely no interest in surrendering over the next six innings.
Ryan Jeffers powers the @Twins ahead with a 3-run homer 😤 pic.twitter.com/4WCXZ2LgE1
— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2026
A quick glance at Ryan Jeffers’ numbers for 2026 would tell you that last night’s game-winning home run was just another day at the office for the 29-year-old catcher, who — had he not been injured for the past two months — probably would have been an All-Star.
In 40 games this season, the former 2nd round draft pick out of North Carolina at Wilmington is batting .291 with a .952 OPS (163 OPS+) built on 8 HR, 18 XBH, 31 RBI and a 24/25 strikeout to walk ratio. When he’s been on the field, Jeffers has been arguably the best catcher in baseball.
Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
With the Minnesota Twins surging and squarely in the American League playoff race, and the trade deadline inching closer, the timing couldn’t be any better… except for one thing.
Jeffers is on the final year of his entry-level contract with the Twins, and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. That’s why, especially over the past six months, Ryan has been extremely popular among possible Twins trade assets.
Are the Minnesota Twins going to trade Ryan Jeffers?
There are a few big market postseason contenders who are desperate for catcher help, and the New York Yankees specifically have not been shy about their interest in Minnesota’s starting catcher. Rumors connecting the two have been fertile, going back months.
On Friday night, however, the Bronx Bombers had scouts at Wrigley watching Jeffers carry the Twins to victory over the Cubs, according to Bob Nightengale (USA Today).
With MLB scouts on hand to watch Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, among others, Jeffers hits a 3-run HR to increase his trade value while giving the Twins a 4-1 lead.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 18, 2026
Related: MN Twins Still Waiting on Injured Superstar
If the Minnesota Twins don’t trade Ryan Jeffers before August 3 deadline, it’s very likely they’ll lose an All-Star caliber catcher just hitting his prime… for nothing.
They could make him a one-year qualifying offer. That would lock them in for draft pick compensation, if he signs elsewhere. However, doing so would cost the Twins $23 million next season, if he takes it (which he probably would).
Can/should the Twins turn away the New York Yankees…?
Thus, while Tom Pohlad appears poised to act as a trade deadline buyer, but it’s very possible we still see Ryan Jeffers dealt away… and it could very well be to the New York Yankees.
The Yankees’ interest in Ryan Jeffers is very real, says @JimBowdenGM.
“It’s not just rumors that are out there.” pic.twitter.com/z6DMd7VC4A
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 8, 2026
Padres’ RHP Mason Miller and Twins C Ryan Jeffers are expected to be among the Yankees’ top targets at the trade deadline according to Jon Heyman of the NY Post. pic.twitter.com/ttXU1QV9Nm
— The Yankee Report (@YankeeReport_) July 14, 2026
Related: Byron Buxton Spells It Out Again: He’s Not Leaving Minnesota
If the Minnesota Twins opt not to trade Jeffers, their only other option would be a short-term contract that allows him to stay for at least one more season. However, with a lockout looming this winter, something like that feels even more unlikely than it normally would.
Mentioned in this article: MLB Trade Rumors New York Yankees Ryan Jeffers
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