Yankees Already Linked to Offseason Move for Intriguing Slugger

The New York Yankees definitely need a bit of a shakeup this MLB offseason, and one area they absolutely need to address is the catcher position.

Yes, Austin Wells is guaranteed to be the starter behind the plate next year. The Yankees love him, and while they really shouldn't be so devoted to him, they clearly are.

But New York still needs to add a secondary backstop, preferably a right-handed bat.

The Yankees began 2026 with lefty J.C. Escarra serving as Wells' backup. They then moved to the right-handed Ali Sanchez later in the campaign.

Neither worked out.

New York explored a move for a catcher back at the MLB trade deadline, but Hunter Goodman was far too expensive, and Ryan Jeffers wasn't available.

Now, the Yanks will likely turn to the free-agent market to land another receiver, and Phillip Martinez of SNY has suggested an intriguing potential target: Tyler Stephenson.

This isn't the first time we've heard about the Yankees' connection to Stephenson.

New York did inquire about the now-former Cincinnati Reds backstop before the deadline, and I recently wrote a piece explaining why he would be a good offseason pickup.

Stephenson slashed .241/.323/.404 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI over 468 plate appearances this past season and owns a very solid .757 OPS for his career.

And while he isn't the most spectacular defensive catcher in terms of framing or throwing out baserunners, you won't find anyone better at blocking balls in the dirt.

Stephenson is 30 years old, so he's not the kind of player the Yankees would sign to a long-term contract, but they could potentially bring him in as a partner for Wells and as someone who could possibly challenge Wells for the starting job if necessary.

The former first-round pick also should be pretty affordable, so if New York is trying to be budget-conscious once again this winter, Stephenson shouldn't get in the way of that.

Jeffers will probably be too pricey, and there is no way the Yanks would be able to pry Goodman away from the Colorado Rockies without selling the farm.

Stephenson may very well be the best realistic option for the Bronx Bombers, so the Yankees should absolutely be placing a call to his representation once free agency begins.

New York has numerous areas it must tend to this winter, but there is no question that find a capable catcher is one of the most significant.