By Jackson RobertsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberNothing is guaranteed, but it feels like a major trade is in order for the New York Yankees this winter.
New York's farm system hasn't always been praised over the last few seasons, but it's in a surprisingly strong position to trade from, given the deep well of right-handed pitching talent. Meanwhile, the Yankees are trying to bolster a roster that won 94 games last year (good, not great), and it seems they'd rather not break the bank in free agency.
Landing an All-Star starting pitcher and a viable right-handed hitting catcher in the same deal would seem almost too good to be true, as both would address needs for a banged-up New York roster. And one baseball writer believes they can accomplish both in the same deal.
...On Wednesday, ESPN's Jorge Castillo urged the rebuilding Minnesota Twins to ship standout righty Joe Ryan and starting catcher Ryan Jeffers to the Yankees, which could get both teams a lot closer to their desired outcomes for the coming season.
"The Yankees don't need another front-line starter, but Ryan would give them some rotation stability early in the season with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón (and Clarke Schmidt) on the injured list, and he would supply insurance should Cole or Rodón return later than usual or struggle upon return," Castillo wrote.
"Jeffers would quench the Yankees' need for a right-handed-hitting catcher after carrying three left-handed-hitting catchers for most of the 2025 season. He would platoon with Austin Wells and allow the Yankees to move Ben Rice, also a left-handed hitter, to first base full-time."
Ryan was absolutely spectacular for most of this season, pitching to a 2.72 ERA through 24 starts before struggling to a 6.47 mark in his final seven. He's under control for two more years, and with the cost of starting pitching at an all-time high, it could take a king's ransom for the Yankees to pry him loose.
There also aren't too many catchers who can put up above-average offensive stats these days, so adding Jeffers into the deal means the Yankees should be prepared to part ways with at least one of their big guns in the pitching pipeline, namely Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodríguez.
More MLB: Blue Jays Predicted to Land Padres All-Star, Address World Series Downfall
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
Affiliate LinksHow to Buy Los Angeles Dodgers Gear: Shop Luxury MLB Jackets and Hoodies, Holiday Gifts and Deals2 min read
MLBYankees Predicted to Sign Former MVP, 3-Time Cy Young Award Winner2 min read
MLBPhillies Open to Trading Brandon Marsh, Alec Bohm: Report3 min read
MLBBlue Jays Predicted to Land Padres All-Star, Address World Series Downfall3 min read
MLBBlue Jays Pitcher Predicted to Bolt for Marlins in Free Agency2 min read
MLBFormer Phillies GM Predicts Shocking Kyle Schwarber Suitor Will Emerge3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsExclusive: Democrat Targets Trump’s $175B Immigration Funds for Housing7 min read
For MembersNewsUncommon Knowledge: Will Trump Accounts Pay Off?6 min read
PoliticsElise Stefanik Claims Victory in Mike Johnson Clash After Trump Talks3 min read
NewsUkraine War Live Updates: Russia Says No ‘Compromise’ Peace Deal Reached2 min read
NewsVideo of Hegseth Telling Military Not to Follow ‘Illegal Orders’ Resurfaces5 min read
NewsDonald Trump’s Major Medicaid Cuts for Abortions Blocked4 min readTrending
WeatherList of Schools Closed Tuesday as Snowstorm Hits4 min read
TennesseeTennessee Special Election: Behn Teases Another Run After Losing to Van Epps2 min read
Winter StormWinter Storm Warning As 12 Inches of Snow To Hit: ‘Delay All Travel’3 min read
ViralCat Arrives at Vet for Neuter, Staff Not Ready for What’s in the Carrier3 min read
CitizenshipCitizenship Requirements to Change For Millions of Americans Under New Bill4 min readOpinion
OpinionThe Cost of Detaining Immigrants Working Legally | Opinion5 min read
OpinionProsecuting Congress for Stating the Law: An Impeachable Offense | Opinion4 min read
For MembersOpinionConventional Wisdom: Trump Pardons Former Honduran President3 min read
OpinionHas President Trump Ushered in an Era of Peace in the Middle East? Newsweek Contributors Debate6 min read
OpinionRand Paul: My Proposal Will Improve Health Care and Lower Costs | Opinion4 min read
