Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Yesterday, the Minnesota Twins ended a four-game losing streak that was on the verge of spiraling their postseason dreams long before they reached REM cycle.
Thursday afternoon, the Twins will attempt to tie their four-game series in Cleveland against the Guardians, before heading back home for six games against two AL bottom-feeders, the A’s and Royals.
In the meantime, the August 3 trade deadline looms. Thursday morning, Minnesota sits 5 games back of Chicago for first place in the AL Central and three games back of the final Wild Card spot in the AL Wild Card standings.
By the time their homestand ends, we should have a much better idea of whether or not the MN Twins will buy or sell at the trade deadline. But for now, the focus is on two key players who could be on the way out either way.
According to Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune), it sounds like GM Jeremy Zoll has indicated to inquiring teams that the Twins are indeed interested in trading catcher Ryan Jeffers, something that’s become apparent with how often Yankees and Rays scouts have been present at Twins games recently.
The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays are both seeking upgrades at catcher and have scouted the Twins for multiple weeks to keep a close eye on how Jeffers played after his injury. There is a growing sense from other teams that the Twins are open to trading Jeffers.
Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune
Rumors involving Jeffers and the Yankees are not new. It’s well-known around the league that New York is desperate for catcher help, especially if said catcher can rake like Ryan Jeffers has all season… at least when on the field.
Jeffers, 29, is hitting .287 with 32 RBI, 28 runs, 9 HR and .950 OPS (163 OPS+) in 43 games so far in 2026. Unfortunately, the sample size is much small, thanks to nearly two months spent on IL nursing a broken hamate bone in his hand.
To Whom It May Concern,
Up your trade offer offer for Ryan Jeffers by 10x or withdraw it.
Sincerely,
The Minnesota Twins pic.twitter.com/lDAwWzETzc
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 18, 2026
From the sounds of it, though, Jeffers’ hamate injury isn’t holding back teams from targeting the soon-to-be free agent catcher at the upcoming trade deadline, especially in the American League East.
In fact, the Rays and Yankees may not be the only AL East teams coming for Ryan Jeffers…
Red Sox ready to enter Ryan Jeffers’ sweepstakes too?
While insiders haven’t connected the Red Sox to Jeffers, like other AL East teams, Mark Feinsand wrote Thursday at MLB.com that Boston is heavily pursuing a right handed bat before the deadline, preferably a catcher.
The primary need remains a right-handed bat, preferably at catcher, either middle-infield spot or at designated hitter. Adding a high-leverage reliever is also on Boston’s wish list, while a starting pitcher could also be in the cards to protect its trio of young starters (Payton Tolle, Connelly Early and Jake Bennett).
I’d have to assume that more teams will call on Ryan Jeffers, as others start to shop around more seriously and realize that Minnesota is open to moving their starting catcher, for the right price.
Unless the Twins wave the white flag and trade Joe Ryan before August 3 — which they certainly still could, if the team falls further back in the playoff race — there’s no doubt Jeffers is the organization’s top available trade asset.
The rental alternative to Langeliers / Goodman at catcher is Ryan Jeffers.
Doesn’t satisfy the long term condition but the bat plays in the same way in the short term. One of the only rentals you can’t really argue with ponying up for. pic.twitter.com/dBEjRL7TJ5
— Shawn Bergeron (@Bergeron_MLB) July 23, 2026
Related: Trade Talks Picking Up for MN Twins
Jeffers just came off the injured list on July 10. He’s had a couple of big hits in the six games he’s played since, including two of his nine homers on the season, along with six of his 32 total RBI.
In fact, the only thing to slip in Jeffers’ offensive game, since coming off the IL, is his batting average (.238). Still, four of his five hits have been for extra bases. Throw in three walks vs just three strikeouts and it’s no surprise Ryan has a .952 OPS in those 24 plate appearances.
Mentioned in this article: MLB Trade Deadline MLB Trade Rumors Ryan Jeffers
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