Minnesota Twins Make Plans to Bring Back Ryan Jeffers

The Minnesota Twins want Ryan Jeffers back. The question is whether they can make it happen before another team does.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier this week that Minnesota has told agents it intends to spend this offseason and would like to retain Jeffers, who received a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer on Nov. 2.

Jeffers is expected to decline it and pursue a multi-year deal. The Twins would receive draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere, but their preference is to keep him in Minnesota.

This is a Twins team that needs to make moves this offseason to take the next step in their rebuild. Minnesota finished 77-85 in 2026, third in the AL Central. Minnesota missed the postseason again, but their young talent is starting to emerge and the future is bright. Jeffers could be an important veteran in that locker room.

Jeffers turned 29 in June and had a productive year despite missing a ton of playing time. He appeared in 92 games and hit .256 with 14 home runs, 56 RBI, a .353 on-base percentage and an .814 OPS. He also posted 19 doubles and drew 46 walks. Before a fractured left hamate bone ended his first half early, he was hitting .295 with a .949 OPS through 37 games. He was one of the top offensive catchers in baseball.

His injury came on May 18 when he swung and broke his bat. He had surgery and missed 46 games before returning July 10. The production after the injury was not as strong, but his value over a full season is easy to project. Few catchers in baseball offer his combination of offense and reliability. He is also solid behind the plate as well.

The catching market this winter is not good. That works in Jeffers’ favor as he looks for a multi-year commitment. Victor Caratini is under contract for 2027 and would serve as the primary option if Jeffers leaves, but replacing that offensive output is not straightforward.

Minnesota also drafted catcher Vahn Lackey third overall in 2026, though he is not close to ready for a major-league role.

Jeffers holds the leverage here. The Twins have stated their intentions publicly, which is unusual. If Minnesota wants to avoid watching him walk, they will need to put a multi-year offer on the table that shows how badly they want Jeffers to stick around.