The Red Sox may already have their answer behind the plate after landing Adley Rutschman, but that hasn’t stopped their name from popping up in another catcher market.
Boston’s current setup would put Rutschman in the starting role if the 2027 season opened today, with Connor Wong as the likely backup. If Wong isn’t the choice, Riley Adams is already in the organization after arriving this offseason. Even so, the club has been linked to free agent catcher Ryan Jeffers, with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman labeling Boston a “surprise pursuer.”
“The Red Sox are a surprise pursuer of star free agent catcher Ryan Jeffers since they just traded for star catcher Adley Rutschman,” Heyman wrote.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan also brought up Jeffers on Wednesday, calling the idea of Boston signing him the “perfect transaction” for the offseason.
That buzz has put Jeffers’ name on the Red Sox radar, but the fit is hard to square. Jeffers comes with a qualifying offer, which means any team that signs him would forfeit a draft pick. For Boston, that’s a steep price to pay for a catcher who would not clearly be an upgrade over Rutschman.
Jeffers is a solid bat, and his 2026 numbers back that up: a .256/.353/.461 slash line with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs in 92 games. But the Red Sox already have a star catcher in place, so spending that kind of money and surrendering draft capital doesn’t make much sense.
If Boston wants to improve its depth at catcher, there are cleaner options. Gary Sanchez, Kyle Higashioka and Austin Hedges all make more sense as backup targets. And if the club is really looking for offense in a larger role, there are stronger designated hitter options available, including Seiya Suzuki.
Still, the Red Sox have shown they’re willing to surprise people under president of baseball operations Craig Breslow. The Rutschman trade itself was proof of that. So while nothing should be ruled out, Boston would be wise to pass on Jeffers.
In Other News...
Kody Clemens Put Twins Fans In A Spotlight They Didn't Expect
The Twins have already found themselves in the Silver Slugger conversation as a team finalist in the American League, but Kody Clemens is pulling a little extra attention into the mix. He has landed among the finalists at second base, putting his name next to Chase Meidroth of the White Sox in a race that reflects more than just one hot stretch at the plate. Clemens also spent time moving around the diamond this season, which only adds to the sense that his value for Minnesota went beyond a single spot on the field.
For Twins fans, the interesting part is how this award race frames the season from an offensive angle, especially with Clemens among the two names left standing at second. The comparison with Meidroth comes down to production, and the broader team nomination gives Minnesota a chance to see its lineup recognized in a national spotlight. Whether Clemens finishes with the hardware or not, his presence in the final round is a reminder that the Twins got contributions from some unexpected places. [Read more 🡒]
Twins May Need The Trade Market For A Real First Base Fix
The Twins are already looking ahead to 2027 with offense and bullpen help on the shopping list, and the search for a real answer at first base could push them beyond the free-agent market. Jake Bauers signing elsewhere only sharpens the need, especially for a club trying to position itself to contend in the AL Central rather than patch the spot with another short-term stopgap.
One name that fits the conversation is Astros first baseman Christian Walker, whose situation in Houston could make him available if the infield picture keeps getting crowded. His 2026 performance and contract status give Minnesota a potential trade target with more certainty than a typical winter fallback, but the Twins would still need to decide how aggressively to pursue a deal and what price they are willing to pay. [Read more 🡒]
Twins May Use Rotation Depth To Fix A Bullpen Question
The Twins are weighing a familiar kind of roster shuffle this winter, one that could help them solve a bullpen issue without chasing the usual high-priced relief market. General manager Jeremy Zoll said the club values its current starting pitchers, but is open to adding another starter in free agency if it creates more flexibility elsewhere on the staff.
Minnesota has long preferred to build its bullpen through trades, internal conversions and minor-league signings rather than handing out big contracts to relievers, and this approach fits that pattern. The idea would be to deepen the rotation, then potentially shift one of those starters into a relief role, giving the Twins more options as they try to piece together the back end of games. [Read more 🡒]