Austin Wells has not performed well offensively this season, and the Yankees are in desperate need of an upgrade behind the plate.
They have been heavily linked to Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins, but the Twins are reportedly looking to be buyers at the deadline. With Jeffers seemingly off the board, the Yankees are starting to check on other catchers.
"Yankees are among many teams to check on 3-time All-Star/switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman," MLB insider Jon Heyman wrote on X on Wednesday. "NYY is casting a wide net for catching need. Ryan Jeffers, pending free agent, seemed logical but Twins suggest they’re a buyer now."
Rutschman has been an All-Star three out of the five years he's been in the league. He had a down year last year, hitting just .220 in 90 games. He has bounced back this season with a .764 OPS and an All-Star nod.
The Baltimore Orioles are just two games out of a wild card spot, so trading Rutschman might not be in their plans. However, they have already linked 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to a $67 million extension. Trading Rutschman would not leave them without a catcher, and Rutschman could fetch assets to help the Orioles now and in the future.
He has one more year of club control and is currently on the 10-day injured list. The Yankees could make him the new everyday catcher as they look to make the postseason with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger all out for a while.