The MLB trade deadline is still a few weeks away, but front offices have already started making moves. On Friday, the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays both sent scouts to watch Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, showing that the 29-year-old is attracting interest. On the same day, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox completed a trade that could shape both teams in different ways, especially with the MLB Draft set to begin. The reports were first shared by LaVelle E. Neal III, Darren Wolfson, and ESPN.
| Ryan Jeffers’ 2026 stats | Numbers |
| Games | 38 |
| Batting average | .294 |
| On-base percentage | .408 |
| Slugging percentage | .540 |
| Home runs | 7 |
| Walks vs. strikeouts | More walks than strikeouts |
Ryan Jeffers becomes trade target as New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays monitor Minnesota Twins catcher
The Yankees have been searching for help behind the plate for weeks. Their catchers have struggled at the plate this season, leaving the team with very little production from one of the most important defensive positions.That is why Ryan Jeffers has become a player to watch. According to LaVelle E. Neal III, the Yankees had a scout at Friday’s game between the Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins. Darren Wolfson also reported that the Rays were there to watch Jeffers.Jeffers returned from a hamate bone injury that had kept him out since May 18. In his first game back, he finished 1-for-4 with a double. Before the injury, he had been one of the Twins’ best hitters, posting a .294 batting average with seven home runs and an OPS well above league average.Minnesota is still close in both the American League Central race and the Wild Card standings. Because of that, there is no guarantee the Twins will move Jeffers before the Aug. 3 deadline. Still, if they decide to listen to offers, several contenders could be interested.
Pittsburgh Pirates add Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert while Chicago White Sox strengthen MLB Draft position
The Pirates also made news by completing a trade with the White Sox before the draft.According to ESPN, Pittsburgh acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert. In return, Chicago received the No. 34 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft and minor league pitcher Jaden Woods.
| Trade details | Pittsburgh Pirates | Chicago White Sox |
| Received | Jacob Gonzalez, Brandon Eisert | No. 34 draft pick, Jaden Woods |
Gonzalez, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is expected to take over at shortstop while Konnor Griffin recovers from a thumb injury. Eisert adds another left-handed arm to Pittsburgh’s bullpen.For Chicago, the biggest gain is draft capital. MLB allows competitive-balance picks to be traded, giving the White Sox three early selections at Nos. 1, 34 and 41. The club also added Woods, who reached Triple-A this season after recording 218 strikeouts in 173⅔ minor league innings.
