​Yankees given harsh Ryan Jeffers reality before trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There’s no doubt that the New York Yankees will be searching for a catcher upgrade at the trade deadline.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe trio of Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez has not produced nearly enough on offense.”Even with Austin Wells hitting a pair of home runs in New York’s final few games before the All-Star Break, the Yankees have a year-to-date ‘as catcher’ triple-slash of .176/.251/.270,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller.For weeks, rumors have connected the Yankees to a slugging backstop from the Minnesota Twins.But given the Twins’ surprising record and their potential run to the postseason, the AL Central club appears unlikely to sell.That leaves the Yankees without a legitimate chance to make a strong offer for right-handed hitter Ryan Jeffers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”Everyone has been connecting them to Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers for a while now, but Cincinnati’s Tyler Stephenson is exponentially more likely to actually end up on the trade block,” Miller added.Unless the Reds go on a hot streak over the next few weeks, Stephenson is the most likely catcher to be made available on the trade market. That includes All-Star Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies.MORE: How Jordan Walker overcame the bust labelStephenson does not possess the same power as Jeffers, but his offensive output is better than Wells’.In 73 games this season, the 29-year-old is hitting .238/.319/.361 with six home runs and a .680 OPS.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEven though Jeffers may be unavailable, the Yankees should consider any options.Unfortunately for them, Stephenson may be the best option due to the expanded Wild Card format.Rintaro Sasaki has a big choice to make between MLB and NPBCC Sabathia’s son gets drafted by one of his former teamsAfter 9 years in the minor leagues, a magical moment for Tigers catcherHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroBarry Bonds’ nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft