Rays should go "all-in" on Twins' All-Star caliber catcher

The Rays front office has voiced its approval of seeking out an experienced catcher for this present roster. At the moment, underachieving Nick Fortes and unseasoned Hunter Feduccia lead the charge in the catching department. In 2025, the tandem combined to produce 63 hits and 29 RBIs and their defense wasn't anything to write home about. Therefore, with the free agent catcher market starting to dwindle, Tampa Bay must act fast with a trade for a new backstop, and we know exactly who they should pursue.

The Twins' 29-year-old catcher, Ryan Jeffers has been rumored to be on the trade block as the offseason winds down. With Minnesota's recent signing of veteran Victor Caratini and former Rays catcher Alex Jackson at the back end of their depth chart, they have some options at this key position. The Twins need the most help in their pitching staff and the Rays may be able to aid in that endeavor.

Rays' hurlers Ryan Pepiot and Drew Rasmussen have been rumored as trade targets during the offseason, particularly in the Ketel Marte gossip. Would the Rays be willing to use those trade pieces for an established young catcher? We'd have to wait and see.

There are multiple reasons to favor Ryan Jeffers' services for the upcoming season. First of all, the North Carolina native has a team friendly contract that is just under $7 million per year. If you recall from last offseason, the Rays signed Danny Jansen to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. Therefore, the investment of Jeffers would be a no-brainer, as the Twins' catcher is younger and more productive offensively.

Also, Ryan Jeffers has shown some incredible bright spots throughout his consistent six-year career. In 2023, the 6'3 catcher put up All-Star level numbers (despite missing the Midsummer Classic). He slashed .276/.369/.490 with 14 home runs. Those statistics were good for a 3.2 WAR and top 3 among AL catchers in AVG and OBP. The production speaks for itself, and we believe that Jeffers would be a fantastic addition to a Rays club that hasn't had an All-Star catcher since Mike Zunino's breakout campaign in 2021.