Red Sox Linked to Free-Agent Catcher Ryan Jeffers

The Boston Red Sox are being linked to Ryan Jeffers, a free-agent catcher who spent seven years with the Minnesota Twins. The possibility comes after Boston acquired Adley Rutschman, who is expected to start behind the plate in 2027, with Connor Wong or Riley Adams among the possible backups.

Jeffers had a .256 batting average, a .353 on-base percentage and a .461 slugging percentage in 92 games in 2026. He hit 14 home runs and drove in 56 runs. His signing would come with a cost beyond salary: Jeffers has a qualifying offer attached, and a team that signs him after he declines it would lose a draft pick.

Two prominent baseball commentators have connected Jeffers to Boston. Jon Heyman described the Red Sox as an unexpected pursuer, while Jeff Passan called a signing a potentially ideal move for the club. Boston's recent acquisition of Rutschman, however, raises questions about how much playing time Jeffers would get.

If Boston wants another catcher, alternatives mentioned include Gary Sanchez, Kyle Higashioka and Austin Hedges. Jeffers could make more sense if the team planned to use him regularly as a designated hitter, though Seiya Suzuki was cited as a stronger offensive option. The Red Sox have made unexpected roster moves under baseball operations president Craig Breslow, so a pursuit cannot be ruled out, but the case against signing Jeffers centers on the draft-pick cost and his fit behind Rutschman.