​The Sporting News notes that an All-Star catcher from the Oakland Athletics could serve as a valuable backup plan for the New York Yankees as the trade deadline approaches. The Yankees, who could especially use a right-handed hitting catcher, have already signaled that their catcher situation is a concern as the season moves into its second half. Austin Wells has chipped in a few home runs recently, but the overall outlook remains uncertain.
If the Yankees are unable to acquire Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies or Ryan Jeffers from the Minnesota Twins, an alternative option could be an All-Star catcher from the Athletics. Jon Heim, 31, is an expiring contract that could appeal to teams at the deadline. Heim is a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner who has been a frequent subject of trade chatter. The Athletics’ Shea Langeliers has emerged as a major factor, pushing Heim to see more time at first base or DH, yet Heim remains sharp behind the plate, according to FanSided’s Christopher Kline.
Kline suggests that any club looking to upgrade its catching without sacrificing too much defensively should consider Heim. His description aligns with the type of veteran, capable backup catcher the Yankees might need. Heim, however, is a switch-hitter; the majority of his plate appearances would likely come against left-handed pitching. In 2026, against lefties, Heim has batted .295 with a .962 OPS in 78 at-bats, but against right-handers he has slashed .174 with a .541 OPS in 86 at-bats.
Kline adds nuance to Heim’s profile, noting that the numbers “under the hood” raise some concerns and that his plate track record isn’t especially robust. He does benefit from playing his home games at Sutter Health Park, which can enhance certain numbers. Nevertheless, Heim’s late-inning heroics and upbeat demeanor have made him harder to overlook, and his skill set at a position where consistent offensive production is scarce remains valuable.
Despite Heim’s appeal, he may not generate the same excitement as other targets like Goodman or Jeffers. Yet the Yankees could benefit from adding a more experienced and reliable hitter than Ali Sánchez, particularly one whose defensive foundation is sound. While Heim’s potential role is as a secondary option, his presence could provide a stable alternative if the Yankees cannot swing bigger deals.
Overall, the discussion about possible upgrades at catcher hinges on balancing offensive upside with defensive reliability. The Yankees will weigh Heim’s switch-hitting versatility, left-handed vs. right-handed hitting considerations, and his track record when evaluating whether he could become a practical and effective piece for a postseason push. Whether this marks the most exciting option or simply a prudent fallback, the evaluation of Heim highlights the kind of nuanced decision-making teams face as the trade deadline nears.