The New York Yankees are leaving no stone left unturned when it comes to finding catching help ahead of the August 3 MLB trade deadline.
With five days left to go until the deadline, the Yankees were among the teams to check in on Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Per sources, the Yankees have been heavy in the catching market as they look for offensive upgrades at the position. A right-handed bat would fit well, which is why the switch-hitting Rutschman makes sense for New York.
However, the Orioles are an American League East division rival and Rutschman comes with another year of control. This likely means that the price tag for the Yankees to potentially acquire Rutschman would be extremely high. The Orioles are also just 2.5 games back of the third and final AL Wild Card spot.
Rutschman, 28, is hitting .251 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs and 47 RBI in 67 games this season. But he has been on the injured list since July 19 with wrist inflammation and his return date is still unknown.
That being said, there's no denying that the three-time All-Star would boost a Yankees offense that is currently without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger.
Beyond Rutschman, the Yankees have interest in catchers Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins and Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds. But the Twins view themselves as buyers so there's no guarantee that they deal Jeffers, despite his expiring contract.
Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies is another name that could help the Yankees behind the plate. However, defense is not his strong suit.
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The Yankees have received strong defense from catchers Austin Wells and Ali Sanchez, but they have struggled mightily at the dish.
The catching market appears to be thin, but the Yankees must do something to upgrade at the position ahead of the deadline in order to solidify themselves as World Series contenders.
