The Cincinnati Reds already have plenty to sort out for the 2027 season, and catcher is shaping up as one of the bigger items on the list.
Tyler Stephenson is headed for free agency, while Jose Trevino is under contract for 2027. Even so, it does not feel likely the Reds would be eager to open next season with Trevino handling the job every day.
That’s why CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa tied Cincinnati to Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.
"Quality catchers rarely hit free agency, so Jeffers picked a great time to have a career year," Axisa wrote. "He has a strong blend of contact skills and power, and his defense, while not amazing, is trending up.
Jeffers has looked more like himself as he's gotten further away from his May hamate surgery, easing concerns about his health. There simply aren't many catchers who can hit in the middle of the order and not kill their team behind the plate, and Jeffers is still on the well-paying side of 30.
He's a few years away from the age when most catchers turn into pumpkins."
Axisa labeled the Reds and Twins as his "super early landing spots."
Jeffers has put together a big year in Minnesota, hitting .270/.372/.500 with 34 extra-base hits in 81 games. The problem for Cincinnati is likely cost. He looks like the kind of catcher who could land a deal the Reds may not want to match.
Stephenson would probably be the more affordable route if Cincinnati tries to bring someone back, though there’s also a real chance he winds up elsewhere. Catchers who can provide offense are tough to find, and teams usually pay up for them. That’s part of why so many Reds fans were stunned when the club kept Stephenson at the trade deadline instead of cashing in on what looked like a strong market for catchers.
Stephenson and Jeffers would both fit the Reds well in 2027. But with so many other holes already waiting to be filled, Cincinnati can’t afford to take a step back at catcher and add another problem to an already crowded offseason checklist.
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