The Yankees’ catcher search could lead them them to a division rival.
According to the Post’s Jon Heyman on Wednesday, the Yankees are among the teams to check on the status of Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman as they look for help at backstop.
The Yankees tandem of Austin Wells and Ali Sanchez have drawn rave reviews from their own pitchers for their capabilities behind the plate, but their offense has been lacking.
Rutchsman, a switch-hitting three-time All-Star would fit multiple of the Bombers’ needs, as they also seek a righty bat, which are in short supply ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Rutschman, however, is also dealing with a wrist inflammation issue that placed him on the 10-day injured list on July 19 in the midst of a resurgent season, as he’s hitting 251 (.764 OPS) with eight home runs and 47 RBI in 67 games. A return date is not yet clear.
What is clear is that Rutschman will become a free agent after the 2027 season and a long term future with the Orioles is unlikely.
Baltimore seemingly will rely on rookie sensation Samuel Basallo at the catcher position in the years to come, signing him to an eight-year, $67 million deal.
Catching options are limited at this point, with Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers’ availability a question mark as general manager Jeremy Zol sees the team as more of a buyer at the deadline.
Jeffers has slashed .294/.328/.429 this season and has nine home runs in 47 games played.
The Rockies’ Hunter Goodman fits the bill offensively, but his defense — and obtainability — are not clear.
Another name to watch according to Heyman is Tyler Stephenson of the Reds for his offensive fire power. The backstop entered Wednesday hitting .248, with a .720 OPS and eight home runs in 81 games.
One catcher definitively off the board ahead of the deadline is Logan O’Hoppe, who was traded by the Angels to the Rangers along with reliever Chase Silseth on Wednesday night.
