The New York Yankees didn’t acquire a catcher at the MLB Trade Deadline and should look to add a future starting catcher this offseason.
New York could look at the free agent market, but the Yankees could also look to the trade market. Ahead of the offseason, MLB insider Mike Axisa of CBS Sports believes the Yankees will look to acquire Milwaukee Brewers slugging catcher William Contreras.
“The Brewers made one of the best trades of the decade when they nudged their way into the Sean Murphy trade with the Athletics and Braves, and landed William Contreras (and two others!) for Esteury Ruiz and nothing else. Contreras has performed at an All-Star level during his four seasons with Milwaukee,” Axisa wrote.
“Next season will be his last season before free agency, however, which is when the Brewers tend to trade their best players — Freddy Peralta in 2026, Devin Williams in 2025, Corbin Burnes in 2024, etc. Contreras will reach that point in the offseason and the Brewers ostensibly acquired his replacement at the deadline in Bo Naylor. Super early possible landing spots: Padres, Rangers, Yankees.”
Contreras is due for a raise this offseason, which is why Milwaukee could move on from him. He’s hitting .270 with 11 home runs and 58 RBIs this season, but his career-high is 23 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Contreras would be a great addition to the Yankees’ lineup and also plays well defensively.
Yankees Have an Issue at Catcher
Catcher was the biggest need for the Yankees ahead of the trade deadline, but New York couldn’t pull a deal off.
Instead, general manager Brian Cashman said going into the trade deadline that catcher was a big issue.
“It’s an issue, clearly,” Cashman said of the team’s catcher position
Yankees manager Aaron Boone also thought that Wells’ struggles was perplexing and an issue for New York.
“It’s been perplexing, because, again, I think we’re talking about a guy with offensive talent,” Boone said. “It’s been a struggle to get it out, without question. I really do feel like the last week, since he’s come back, there are some things happening there. I think he’s in a better position. But we gotta start getting results too at some point.”
Wells is hitting .169 with 8 home runs and 16 RBIs this season with the Yankees.
New York Gets Positive Aaron Judge Update
Judge is still on the injured list, and it is a big void in the Yankees lineup.
Yet, despite Judge still on the IL and not getting closer, he remains adamant he will return this season.
“I’ll be back this season,” Judge said. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be. That was always the plan, to come back sooner than later, definitely. I never had a thought of not playing this year. It’s an important part of his progression to get back with us,” Boone said. “It’s good to see him with his pinstripes on and cleats, heading out onto the field in the afternoon, certainly.”
The Yankees are 64-51 and just 0.5 games up on the Boston Red Sox for second place in the AL East. New York is 4.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot.
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