The Yankees are heading into the winter with a clear sense of direction-and it looks like the trade market is going to be their primary battleground. With most of their remaining payroll flexibility likely earmarked for a run at Cody Bellinger in free agency, the front office is expected to shift gears toward trades to fill some key gaps on the roster.
Two of those needs stand out: bolstering the starting rotation and shoring up the catcher position. And according to a recent report, there’s a potential deal on the table that could address both at once-while also dealing a blow to a division rival.
Yankees Eyeing Twins Duo to Fill Rotation and Catching Needs
A proposed trade with the Minnesota Twins would send right-hander Joe Ryan and catcher Ryan Jeffers to the Bronx. On paper, it’s a move that checks a lot of boxes for New York.
Let’s start with Ryan. While he might not be at the top of the Yankees’ wishlist, there’s real value in adding a dependable, cost-controlled starter to the rotation.
He’s not an ace, but he doesn’t need to be. With Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodón all carrying varying degrees of uncertainty heading into 2026, Ryan would offer much-needed stability and depth.
And if the Yankees needed any reminder about the importance of rotation depth, they only have to look west. The Dodgers’ 2025 season was a masterclass in how critical it is to have more arms than you think you’ll need.
Ryan’s contract situation makes him especially appealing-he’s inexpensive, under team control, and still has upside. That’s a rare combination in today’s market.
There’s also a bit of gamesmanship at play here. Boston has reportedly been eyeing Ryan since the trade deadline, and if the Yankees swoop in first, they’d be improving their own staff while keeping a quality arm out of Fenway. That’s a win-win in the AL East chess match.
Jeffers Could Be the Right Fit Behind the Plate
Then there’s Ryan Jeffers, who would slot in as the right-handed half of a catching platoon with Austin Wells. That’s a pairing that makes a lot of sense.
Wells has shown promise with the bat from the left side, and Jeffers brings a solid glove and some pop from the right. Together, they could give the Yankees one of the more balanced catching tandems in the league.
But the ripple effect of adding Jeffers might be even more impactful. It could allow Ben Rice-a player the Yankees are high on-to shift full-time to first base.
With Paul Goldschmidt unlikely to return, Rice stepping into that role could be a long-term solution that also helps the team right away. He’s on the brink of a breakout, and giving him a clear path to everyday at-bats could accelerate his development.
A Pricey Deal-But One That Makes Sense
Now, let’s be real: a trade like this won’t come cheap. The Twins aren’t going to give up two controllable, productive players without a significant return.
But for the Yankees, the potential payoff is big. You’re talking about improving the rotation, solidifying the catching situation, and setting up a young bat like Rice for success-all in one swing.
It’s the kind of move that could reshape the roster heading into 2026, and if the Yankees are serious about contending, it’s the kind of bold, forward-thinking deal that makes sense. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen, but the logic behind it is sound-and the potential impact is hard to ignore.