Yankees' catching search includes division rival

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Yankees' catching search includes division rival

By David Hill | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 10:17 PM ET

The catcher position has been a sore spot for the New York Yankees throughout the 2026 season. A deal with a division rival could provide the upgrade they need.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are among the teams to check in on Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman.

He is currently on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation, his third stay on the IL this season.

Rutschman has returned to his All-Star form after a down year in 2025. He has posted a solid .251/.331/.433 batting line in his 284 plate appearances, hitting eight homers and 19 doubles.

Yankees are among many teams to check on 3-time All-Star/switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman. NYY is casting a wide net for catching need. Ryan Jeffers, pending free agent, seemed logical but Twins suggest they’re a buyer now. Tyler Stephenson, others are on NYY list
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2026

Adley Rutschman would solve several problems for New York Yankees

Yankees catchers have been among the worst in the majors offensively, producing a combined .184/.265/.288 batting line with eight homers in their 379 plate appearances entering Wednesday.

The lack of production behind the plate has been magnified due to injuries. Outfielder Aaron Judge has been on the IL since early June due to a right rib stress fracture. Fellow outfielder Cody Bellinger landed on the IL on Sunday due to a strained right hamstring. With Judge and Bellinger sidelined, the Yankees only have three players — first basemen Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt and utility man Max Schuemann — who have been above average offensively this season.

Adding Rutschman could help. He would provide another solid bat in a lineup that sorely needs an upgrade. Rutschman has also been a solid defensive catcher, throwing out 37.2% of would-be base stealers while saving two runs. Although he would not solve all the Yankees' problems, Rutschman would be a step in the right direction.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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