Ryan Jeffers free agency Red Sox Twins, Digi Mart USA News: Ryan Jeffers, who spent his first seven major-league seasons with the Minnesota Twins, is expected to decline the qualifying offer the team extended earlier this offseason, according to recent reports from Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
That would make him an unrestricted free agent.
Jeffers is considered one of the stronger options in a free-agent catching class that is thin. According to the source report, he, Carson Kelly and Tyler Stephenson are practically the only three available catchers who can be relied upon in a starting role, which is expected to make the market for Jeffers competitive.
The Boston Red Sox are looking to add an impact bat this winter, and Jeff Passan of ESPN identified Jeffers as the best fit for Boston in that context. Passan also mentioned CJ Abrams, Zach Neto, Ketel Marte and Corey Seager as possible targets, although the source notes that acquiring Abrams or Neto would likely require parting with top prospect Franklin Arias.
A key factor for Boston is the uncertain future of Adley Rutschman, who becomes a free agent after the 2027 season and has failed to play 99 games in each of the last two seasons because of injuries. Rutschman has also served as a designated hitter, which could allow Jeffers and Rutschman to split catching and designated hitter duties.
The report adds that Jeffers is widely expected to receive a multi-year deal, which could give Boston insurance if it is unable to re-sign Rutschman after 2027. The Red Sox struggled offensively behind the plate in 2026, ranking 25th in the majors with a 74 wRC+ and 23rd with a .216 batting average, cycling through five catchers.
The publisher report also says the Twins need to do all they can to bring Jeffers back, noting that Victor Caratini is currently on the roster but is not considered an everyday option. The team would need to find another catcher to pair with him even if Jeffers departs.
