The New York Yankees need to start assessing what the club needs to succeed in the second half of the season. The club should consider trading for a catcher to enhance areas that they lack. For the longest while, catcher talent and depth have been major concerns. This does not take away from the talent that Austin Wells has, but it does relate to the struggle that he’s endured.
Wells has been battling injury since June 6th, sidelining him on the 10-day injured list to date. His temporary supplement has been J.C. Escarra, who, with the bat, has not been impressive. Currently, Escarra slashes a .195/.250/.286. He’s recorded just 15 hits in 77 at-bats with seven RBIs. Behind the disk, the Yankees catcher is just breathing the air of the Major League Baseball average fielding percentage. He’s at a .990; MLB’s average is a .992.
Wells has a .166 batting average with a .278 on-base percentage and .255 slugging percentage. Offensively, Wells is hit or miss despite the numbers. He’s a streaky left-handed bat who can take advantage of pitchers; however, the Yankees need more.
How Do the Yankees Improve the Catcher Scenario This Season?
Wells is making his way back slowly, as the catcher just began his rehab assignments. The left-handed hitter mashed two home runs in his rehab game, driving in two runs for the Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre Railriders.
Overall, a returning healthy Wells is a good day in the Bronx. The Yankees need their left-handed option back, along with a good choice of calling a game. Wells does both and is super valuable to this team.
The club does need another star behind the dish to be a battery-pack both offensively and defensively. Obviously, Wells will be the primary guy at the backstop, but one more beneficial option will do wonders for the team.
Ryan Jeffers Is a Top Target for a Yankees Trade Scenario
This seven-year big leaguer may be the answer to the Yankees’ catcher pursuit. Ryan Jeffers is with the Minnesota Twins, who currently don’t look to be a divisional favorite and may have an interest in gaining quality prospects.
This would be the perfect scenario for both teams. The Minnesota catcher could be in pinstripes and evenly split the work behind the plate with Wells.
He’s a right-handed hitter with power to all fields, showing good plate approach and zone awareness. His batting averages are competitive, along with his on-base percentages. Jeffers is a middle-of-the-order type of bat with the ability to move guys on the base paths and get the job done. So far this season, he’s recorded a .295/.408/.541 slash with 26 RBIs, seven home runs, and 36 hits in 122 at-bats. His fielding percentage is .996 while displaying great defensive attributes. A pairing of Jeffers and Wells would bring great offensive upside.
Hunter Goodman
The second option could be Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. The Rockies are already sitting in last place in the National League West 20 games behind first place; it’s safe to say they could be sellers.
The catcher also plays in the outfield, and his bat is a strong tool. Goodman can hit, and he can be placed in the middle of the order. The 2025 All-Star catcher has a 2.0 WAR in 2026, recording 66 hits, 21 home runs, 39 RBIs, and a slash of .251/.322/.536.
Goodman would also be a solid pairing with Wells, making consistent offense behind the dish. Both Goodman and Jeffers should be top trade targets.
The Yankees will need to give up a big-time prospect as well as a player that’s ranked 15th and below in the farm system. A trade like this is very possible and attainable.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
