MLB insider reveals Yankees' 'most realistic' free agent target at catcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees desperately need a right-handed hitting catcher.
Ali Sanchez was the primary backup behind Austin Wells, but he offers little upside on offense.
The Yankees could keep Sanchez as catching depth, but they would be better off finding a veteran with better offensive numbers.
The Athletic's Chris Kirschner wrote that New York's front office should be looking for a new catcher and it's a "must" for this winter.
He tabbed an 11-year veteran who spent the last two years with the Chicago Cubs as the top candidate.
"The Yankees have options to consider in free agency. Carson Kelly might be the best and most realistic option available," Kirschner wrote.
"He's expected to decline his $7.5 million mutual option with the Chicago Cubs and become a free agent. Kelly posted a 143 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season and has 123 wRC+ against lefties in his career," Kirschner added.
"He also grades out well in blocks above average, according to Statcast, and is slightly above average in framing, a key metric the Yankees focus on when considering catchers."
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Kirschner adds that Wells had a 19 wRC+ against left-handed pitching in 2026, so adding a right-handed platoon partner is necessary.
At the very least, the Yankees would feel confident that Kelly can provide above-average production against southpaws.
Other free agent backstops the Yankees could consider are Ryan Jeffers, Tyler Stephenson, Austin Hedges, or a reunion with Gary Sanchez or Kyle Higashioka.
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