The New York Yankees are looking to acquire Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
However, Minnesota's intention to act as buyers could complicate negotiations.
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Jeffers, 29, is batting . 293 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs, posting a .
930 OPS for the Twins. He is a pending free agent at season's end.
Minnesota holds a 54-54 record, sitting half a game behind the Cleveland Guardians for a wildcard spot.
The team's recent walk-off victory on July 28 reinforced their playoff push.
Twins Plan to Buy, Not Sell
Twins General Manager Jeremy Zoll confirmed the team's focus on buying ahead of the deadline. "This has been what we were focusing on ...
the 'buy' version of things," Zoll said.
Zoll added that the front office aims to bolster the bullpen and remains open to creative roster moves.
The team has depth at catcher with Victor Caratini under contract.
"It wasn't some situation where they were prepping to sell and we're switching. Now we're looking forward to try and execute on that work," Zoll said.
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Despite the Twins' contention, ESPN's Buster Olney sees a potential fit.
"Even as the Twins are trying to make the playoffs, they could justify making a deal of Jeffers because they have depth at that position," Olney said.
Olney noted that New York urgently needs right-handed offensive help while Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger are on the injured list.
