3 Reasons Ryan Jeffers Should be the Twins Primary Catching Option in 2023

[Jamie Cameron]

This offseason, the Twins could go after an upgrade at catcher. Instead, the Twins should enter 2023 with Ryan Jeffers as their primary catcher, here are three reasons why.

Image courtesy of Rick Osentoski, USA Today Sports

 

The offseason is nearly among us. Close to the top of the Twins offseason priority list is solidifying their plans for the catcher position. Essentially, the Twins have three options; move forwards with Ryan Jeffers as their primary catcher, sign a free agent to be their primary option, or trade for catching help. I’m for the former of these possibilities. Here’s three reasons why.

The Twins have more pressing needs this offseason. Shortly after the conclusion of the World Series, Carlos Correa will opt out of the remaining two years of his deal with the Twins. It remains highly unlikely Minnesota will sign him to the type of extension his performance warrants. Concurrently, Minnesota’s internal options are either not ready (Lee), injured (Lewis), or not shortstops (Martin). The Twins should prioritize getting a long-term option at shortstop under contract this offseason. Additionally, the organization needs to add to the front end of the rotation, depth in the bullpen, and a right-handed power bat. While the offensive addition could also be a catcher, the quantity of injuries in 2022 to the likes of Buxton, Larnach, Kirilloff and co make outfield depth more a pressing need.

Ryan Jeffers has shown he can be the primary catcher. Jeffers missed significant time in 2022 due to a broken thumb, an injury not easy to recover from or to account for. In his limited MLB service time, Jeffers has shown the ability to be an MLB starter. In 172 MLB games over three seasons, he’s amassed 2.2 fWAR. While it’s a common refrain to criticize Jeffers inability to throw out potential base stealers, he’s a capable defender. Jeffers typically puts together outstanding framing numbers and calls games expertly, a skill as unknown as it is underappreciated (just look at the numbers of pitchers when El Gary took over in the second half of 2022). Jeffers also has rare power for the position, and although prone to slumps at the plate, it feels like there is more upside and consistency to tap into there.

Jeffers’ cost allows the Twins to prioritize payroll elsewhere. Whether we want to acknowledge this as a reality or not, it simply is. Jeffers isn’t arbitration eligible until 2024. On a Twins roster with so little elite upside, cost control is meaningful, and beneficial. Jeffers deserved a full season as the primary option (65% of games) to show what he is fully capable of. If he delivers, it’s a boon that could serve the Twins until 2027.

What are your thoughts on how the Twins should move forward at catcher? Is Jeffers the best option? Or is there a better fit via trade or free agency?

 

View full article

[mikelink45]

I think he is because we have no other option, but his bat has to come back or we do need another solution.  I am not confident. 

[Reptevia]

I would rather stand pat on SP and go get an actual MLB catcher. 

[umterp23]

Rare air to get an elite catcher if Realmuto is the gold standard today.  He is 31 years old I believe along with Contreras. So Twins showed their cards in regards to 30+ old catchers and how they internally feel about the position and age.  Garver kind of proved the point by the trade and then he was done for the year with an injury about a month or so into the season.  

Jeffers has upside. Broken bone in thumb was really bad timing as he did show some flash in the couple weeks leading up to the injury and being shelved.  So really has only 2 years of game action at MLB level with just over 500 at bats.  This year will be the year to see how he has grown, matured and accepting of being a leader.  

Saw on his social media post he became a 1st time father during his injury time off. Congrats to him and his wife.  

[Karbo]

I don't worry as much about hitting from the catcher as I do about his defense. Calling games and throwing out base stealers and blocking balls in the dirt are the 3 most important traits IMO. Hitting would be next and then "pitch framing" which I believe is one of the most over rated stats in the game today.

[umterp23]

9 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I don't worry as much about hitting from the catcher as I do about his defense. Calling games and throwing out base stealers and blocking balls in the dirt are the 3 most important traits IMO. Hitting would be next and then "pitch framing" which I believe is one of the most over rated stats in the game today.

Would agree on the defensive side of equation.  I still think they way the have him setup behind the dish from a coaching perspective plays an important role.  Not having a dedicated catching coach until he got to the twins has been interesting as well.  He self taught himself the mechanics that got him drafted and going back and watching some UNC Wilmington highlights he wasn't in the sit on your ass crouch they have him in today.  Kid sure is flexible though.

[mac098]

11 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I don't worry as much about hitting from the catcher as I do about his defense. Calling games and throwing out base stealers and blocking balls in the dirt are the 3 most important traits IMO. Hitting would be next and then "pitch framing" which I believe is one of the most over rated stats in the game today.

I couldn't have said it better myself. In a previous article I stated we were spoiled in the last 20 years from the catching we were able to have. But I agree that a catcher needs to be able to call the game, block balls in the dirt, and throw baserunners out at a high mark. Hitting is definitely a secondary trait that is a + if the catcher has a bat. And pitch framing is a situational skill that might help in a pinch when the pitcher needs to get out of an inning or things are starting to get out of hand. 

[DJL44]

I'm not sure if the Twins want a primary catcher. I think they would rather share the job 50/50. I'm on record as wanting them to sign Christian Vazquez as the other half. The no-hitter last night reinforced that.

[Doctor Gast]

I agree that SS is our #1 priority, If we go long term it has to be Correa (or then go short term because the others IMO don't fit). But by long shot catching is our #2 priority.  Jeffers has hit a rut much like Kepler & I have less patience with Jeffers mainly because of his arm. Jeffers has always been a #2 catcher in my book. I'd like a much better catcher that we can lock up for a few years wether a trade or free agency because we don't have a catcher coming that I like until maybe '26 with Noah Cardenas plus a lot can happen until then.

[RpR]

2 hours ago, Jamie Cameron said:

Ryan Jeffers has shown he can be the primary catcher.

 

Ryan Jeffers has shown he belongs in Triple A or another team; keep Sanchez and let Jeffers compete for back-up.

[PatPfund]

I normally like your stuff, Jamie, but strongly disagree here. In order…

You can disagree about rating, but adding a catcher is a VERY pressing need. Jeffers is the only one on the 40-man, and the MILB options don’t scream “Ready!” yet. My personal order would be #1 Starting Pitcher, OF (D and bat), Catcher (maybe bumping up to #2 if he can really hit). Bullpen depth is addressed by adding a #1 SP (pushing a starter into the ‘pen and a marginal arm to the minors). We absolutely do not need a long term solution at SS; we have Lewis back mid-season, and Lee possibly forcing his way to the majors around the same time. Signing a long term contract to the position our top two prospects play is a waste of money.

Jeffers absolutely has NOT shown he can be a primary catcher. He’s been injured, people bring up his ability to throw out base-stealers, because he has been dreadful at it, and only if you cherry-pick a few 10 game stretches can you say his bat even belongs in the majors (his career batting average is .210, his 2022 was .208). He has promise, but since his 26 game debut in 2020, Ryan has really struggled to hit even .200. He should be a solid roster likelihood, but not THE answer at catcher.

The third point misses the point that catching is now a time-share position. We NEED a catcher even with Jeffers, and the team gets much better if that catcher (Contreras? Vasquez?) can take the pressure off of Jeffers, pick up (legitimate) DH at-bats, and help in Ryan’s development. Get a real player, and let their play decide who is “primary”.

[farmerguychris]

Pass.  At this point Jeffers has not shown he can be our #1 man behind the plate.  We need someone who has proven over multiple seasons they can wear that hat 4 times a week.  If Jeffers pushes them out of a job, so be it, but what has he proven long term for us to give him the full time role? Trade or a FA - sign our primary starter next year and let Jeffers try to beat him out with his results.

[baul0010]

I wonder if Terry Steinbach is available?

[nicksaviking]

I'd add a fourth reason:

It's just an overall weak position. Jeffers is closer to 'average' than he is to 'awful'. I mean, Gary Sanchez is the 2nd best free agent catcher, I think that says all there is to know about the position these days. Don't waste the time and money on a position that will only provide minimal gains, if any at all.

[RpR]

Sanchez is simply a better catcher than Jeffers, keep him and as I said , if not traded let Jeffers show in spring training he is good enough to not be in AAA.

[mikelink45]

8 hours ago, Karbo said:

I don't worry as much about hitting from the catcher as I do about his defense. Calling games and throwing out base stealers and blocking balls in the dirt are the 3 most important traits IMO. Hitting would be next and then "pitch framing" which I believe is one of the most over rated stats in the game today.

I can accept low batting averages, but not Mendoza lines

 

[roger]

I have three reasons Jeffers should be no more than a solid backup.  They are defense, defense and defense.

[DocBauer]

I'm sorry gang, and I'm not trying to be dismissive of personal opinion or be mean, but what are you asking or looking for? There is a dearth of "outstanding" catchers in MLB who can provide quality defense and great offense. AJ and Mauer aren't walking through the door any time soon. 

Sanchez, one of the worst catchers defensively in MLB actually improved with the Twins, while seeing his bat continue to decline. But he's a better option than Jeffers, as some have stated?

Jeffers calls a good game. Once again, when given the primary spot to begin 2022, before all hell broke loose about July, he caught/called something like 12 of 16 games where the Twins only allowed 3 or fewer runs. Say what you want to about passed balls...they happen...but his fielding % is .995 for his young career so far. And I know there are different metrics for anything you want, but that's from Baseball Reference. So take it as you will. But I don't see any major defensive discrepancy to say he doesn't play solid defense.

He doesn't throw well enough? You have an argument. His 22% in 2021 was 3% less than average, so, solid. His 18% in 2022 was not good. Is that him? Pitchers not holding runners? Hard to say. The Twins are focused on the batter and less on the runner on 1B. That's documented in their approach. Also part of the reason being they are looking for the low strike, having their catchers squat lower with the leg "kick out" approach made famous a couple decades ago by Pena. As an aside, it does help keep the catcher's legs healthier for the season, as well as at the plate.

So let's pause for a moment to talk about quality hitting vs good game calling and quality defense vs questionable throwing.

Jeffers OPS+ is right on with ML average for the position in 2022. So if you can accept good game calling, and solid defense, average batting should make him a decent, quality catcher overall. When you take a step back and remember he's only 25yo and has 591 actual plate appearances at the ML level and has produced average results despite hitting in college and in the minors, how in hell can't you be excited about his potential to hit at the ML level with just a little more time and opportunity?

He was drafted as an offense first backstop who has turned in to a solid, quality backstop who had ZERO catching coaching until he turned pro. His offense is still developing after being somewhat rushed from AA in 2020. After 591 PA TOTAL he's an offensive bust despite power and flashes and being league average offensively? 

Some of the wisest words Tom Kelly ever said was no hitter ever reaches their ability until they have approximately 1500 ML  AB. And I'm paraphrasing somewhat. 

I want to see a better arm and a better release from Jeffers behind the plate. I don't expect miracles, just better than last year. But I have no problem with his game calling or overall defense. I've watched him and he's good. But I also want him to grow as a batter and reach his ceiling, or close to it. I think he can.

I wonder, if his thumb didn't get broke just as he was hitting hot in 2022, and he finished hitting .230-240 with the same 14HR he had in 2021 are we still talking about how he needs to be replaced?

None of my opinion is going to replace the opinions of others. I get that and it's OK. I'm also looking for more from Jeffers in 2023. And I'm looking for a solid co-catcher compliment yet again. I'm a believer, still looking for more, but really surprised by the negativity for a pretty good player.

[ashbury]

27 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Rodriguez, one of the worst catchers defensively in MLB actually improved with the Twins,

[stringer bell]

20 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

But by a long shot catching is our #2 priority.  Jeffers has hit a rut much like Kepler & I have less patience with Jeffers mainly because of his arm. Jeffers has always been a #2 catcher in my book. 

I don’t think it is at all fair to compare Jeffers and Kepler as hitters. Jeffers has a grand total of 591 plate appearances spread out over parts of three seasons. On Opening Day he will be 25 years old. 
 

Defensively, I think it’s a mixed bag. The raw numbers of throwing are substandard, and he had quite a few passed balls and allowed plenty of wild pitches. I don’t know where I can find “Catcher ERA”, but I would venture a guess that Jeffers was better (by a lot) than Sánchez and that the won-loss record when Jeffers started at catcher was better than for Sánchez. To me, that would be a function of his ability to call a game. 

[Whitey333]

If Jeffers is our best catching option, we are in a world of hurt.

[DocBauer]

8 hours ago, ashbury said:

Me or auto correct I have no idea! LOL

Of course I meant Sanchez. Thank you for catching that.

[LA VIkes Fan]

Here's a good 4th reason - Jeffers is the best we got and there isn't anyone else out there who isn't going to cost a lot in prospects. Sean Murphy? I'd love to get him but the cost starts with Lewis or Lee PLUS a quality pitching prospect. Contreras? It's him OR Correa, not both, I'd rather have Correa.

Here's my thought - Christian Vasquez. Great concept but probably 8-9m a year for multiple years. Tough for a 32 year old catcher. Might even be more and will he leave Houston after winning the World Series for a team that won 78 games a year ago? If he would, we could fit him in AND get Correa and maybe Rodon, but only if if we traded Kepler and Urshela for prospects to free up salary room. Maybe that works because we have Miranda and Larnach/Kirilloff/Gordon to play their spots.    

To me, there are 2 good choices. Choice 1 - get Vasquez, move Urshela to 3B and Larnach or Gordon to RF, trade Kepler and Urshela, sign Corrrea and Rodon. Choice 2 - go with Jeffers, sign one of the usual suspects (Navaez, Barnhardt, Leon), trade Urshela and/or Kepler, sign Correa and Rodon, sign a quality relief pitcher (Robertson?).  Likely Twins move - sign Navaez, keep Kepler and Urshela, sign Elvis Andrus to play SS, sign Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, Michael Wacha, or Tijuan Walker as a SP, roll with the bullpen as is.   

[RpR]

12 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Sanchez, one of the worst catchers defensively in MLB actually improved with the Twins, while seeing his bat continue to decline. But he's a better option than Jeffers, as some have stated?

 

That is only in your mind, stats. do not agree.

IN 59 games Jeffers had 5 passed balls and 16 wild pitches and caught 7 of 31 stealing for 18 percent.

In 91 games Sanchez had 4 passed balls 27 wild pitches and caught 14 of 36 stealing for for 28 percent

In seven years Sanchez stealing percent has been below average 2 years with the Yankees; Jeferes has never been above average in 3 years.

The number of stolen base attempts against Jeffers,, 31 vs 36, shows runners werre not afraid of running against Jeffers

[David Maro]

No one has brought up the fact that runners will have less distance to steal. Also the pitcher is limited on throwing over to 1st base. That means catchers and pitchers will need to work together. If that is the case then Jeffers arm will come into question. Some of you say that a offensive minded catcher is not needed. If thats true then maybe they should resign Sanchez,his arm is better.

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

Christian Vasquez. Great concept but probably 8-9m a year for multiple years.

Sold. 3 years $27M for a starting caliber catcher is well worth it.

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

Likely Twins move - sign Navaez, keep Kepler and Urshela, sign Elvis Andrus to play SS, sign Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, Michael Wacha, or Tijuan Walker as a SP, roll with the bullpen as is.   

Finish in 3rd place

[LA VIkes Fan]

18 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Sold. 3 years $27M for a starting caliber catcher is well worth it.

Hey, I'm with you on that. Here's a thought, sign Vasquez - 3 years 27m (9 per), Bogaerts - 7 years 196m (28 per), Chri1sBassitt - 4 years 72m (18 per).  

[mikelink45]

20 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm sorry gang, and I'm not trying to be dismissive of personal opinion or be mean, but what are you asking or looking for? There is a dearth of "outstanding" catchers in MLB who can provide quality defense and great offense. AJ and Mauer aren't walking through the door any time soon. 

Sanchez, one of the worst catchers defensively in MLB actually improved with the Twins, while seeing his bat continue to decline. But he's a better option than Jeffers, as some have stated?

Jeffers calls a good game. Once again, when given the primary spot to begin 2022, before all hell broke loose about July, he caught/called something like 12 of 16 games where the Twins only allowed 3 or fewer runs. Say what you want to about passed balls...they happen...but his fielding % is .995 for his young career so far. And I know there are different metrics for anything you want, but that's from Baseball Reference. So take it as you will. But I don't see any major defensive discrepancy to say he doesn't play solid defense.

He doesn't throw well enough? You have an argument. His 22% in 2021 was 3% less than average, so, solid. His 18% in 2022 was not good. Is that him? Pitchers not holding runners? Hard to say. The Twins are focused on the batter and less on the runner on 1B. That's documented in their approach. Also part of the reason being they are looking for the low strike, having their catchers squat lower with the leg "kick out" approach made famous a couple decades ago by Pena. As an aside, it does help keep the catcher's legs healthier for the season, as well as at the plate.

So let's pause for a moment to talk about quality hitting vs good game calling and quality defense vs questionable throwing.

Jeffers OPS+ is right on with ML average for the position in 2022. So if you can accept good game calling, and solid defense, average batting should make him a decent, quality catcher overall. When you take a step back and remember he's only 25yo and has 591 actual plate appearances at the ML level and has produced average results despite hitting in college and in the minors, how in hell can't you be excited about his potential to hit at the ML level with just a little more time and opportunity?

He was drafted as an offense first backstop who has turned in to a solid, quality backstop who had ZERO catching coaching until he turned pro. His offense is still developing after being somewhat rushed from AA in 2020. After 591 PA TOTAL he's an offensive bust despite power and flashes and being league average offensively? 

Some of the wisest words Tom Kelly ever said was no hitter ever reaches their ability until they have approximately 1500 ML  AB. And I'm paraphrasing somewhat. 

I want to see a better arm and a better release from Jeffers behind the plate. I don't expect miracles, just better than last year. But I have no problem with his game calling or overall defense. I've watched him and he's good. But I also want him to grow as a batter and reach his ceiling, or close to it. I think he can.

I wonder, if his thumb didn't get broke just as he was hitting hot in 2022, and he finished hitting .230-240 with the same 14HR he had in 2021 are we still talking about how he needs to be replaced?

None of my opinion is going to replace the opinions of others. I get that and it's OK. I'm also looking for more from Jeffers in 2023. And I'm looking for a solid co-catcher compliment yet again. I'm a believer, still looking for more, but really surprised by the negativity for a pretty good player.

How do you support him calling a good game?  It cannot be based on win or loss.

[TopGunn#22]

There have been several posts written about the Twins catching situation.  I've had comments in each.  First, I've watched a lot of baseball (60-years worth) and played a bit as well.  I could always be wrong, but I just don't think Jeffers is a starter, and he may even be a below average backup.  I agree that we have no one on the farm with the exception of Noah Cardenas and he's a minimum of 2-years away.

Murphy is too expensive if you want to use assets (both money and players) to shore up other areas.  Look to trade for a Danny Jansen or Travis d'Arnaud.  William Contreras is the catcher of the future in Atlanta.  d'Arnaud is 33 years old and wouldn't have a prohibitive cost (13.3 BTV).  And he could fill in for the 2-years it would take to see Cardenas make the team.  The best option is Jansen from the Blue Jays.  They have 3 guys who should all be full time catchers.  The most any team can accommodate is TWO.  Gabe Moreno is their star of the future and this kid is GOOD.  He got a taste of the big leagues this season and I believe will be their #1.  Alejandro Kirk is also very good and will get AB's at DH in addition to playing catcher.

Jansen is a pretty darn good catcher and hitter who has battled some injuries only to see himself shoved down the pecking order because the other two guys are REALLY good.  His BTV is 26.6.  Murphy's is almost 3-times that.  Call the Blue Jays.  See what they're interested in.  Make a deal.  Jeffers is NOT the answer.