One prominent prediction circulating among analysts is that the Yankees could target Tyler Stephenson from the Cincinnati Reds. A well-known baseball analyst suggested that Stephenson would be a fit for New York, arguing that he would bring both defensive reliability and a meaningful upgrade at the plate over Wells. This season, Stephenson is batting .238 with 6 home runs and 24 RBIs. His career-best power output is 19 homers with 66 RBIs, achieved in 2024.
Stephenson, 29, is currently a pending free agent, which could put Cincinnati in a position to secure assets before he reaches free agency. For the Yankees, acquiring Stephenson would provide a potential solution in the present while also giving the option to re-sign him or use him as a rental if a longer-term deal isn’t pursued.
Yankees management has acknowledged catcher as a concern. General Manager Brian Cashman has stated that it’s an area the team needs to address, noting that Wells is doing everything possible but that the position has presented ongoing challenges. Insider reporting has reinforced the sentiment that catching is a primary need for New York as the trade deadline nears. While there are considerations about onboarding a catcher midseason due to potential disruption to the pitching staff, the possibility of adding a right-handed-hitting catcher to form a platoon with Wells has been discussed among insiders.
Despite the focus on upgrading the catching corps, Wells remains confident in his progression. In late June, he indicated to The Athletic that he felt he was turning a corner and regaining comfort in the batter’s box. Wells currently sits with a .155 batting average, 6 home runs, and 13 RBIs this season for the Yankees.
As the Deadline approaches, the Yankees’ pursuit of a catcher is a central storyline, with several internal and external analyses weighing the potentialfit and impact of a trade involving a catcher like Stephenson. The team is in a strong position to contend, and upgrading at catcher would align with the goal of strengthening the roster for the postseason push.
