​DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 22: (L-R) Catcher Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with closer Erik Tolman #73 after their team’s win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 22, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Eduardo Valencia #32 of the Detroit Tigers hits a RBI single in the first inning in front of Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals at Comerica Park on September 21, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) GettyA big area of emphasis for the New York Yankees in terms of improving their 2027 team is addressing the backup catcher position and perhaps considering landing a catcher who can split time (or play more) with Austin Wells.There are two ways the Yankees could add a catcher this offseason: Via trade or by signing a backstop in free agency.One ‘perfect’ trade option that not many people are thinking about is Washington Nationals‘ 28-year-old catcher Keibert Ruiz.More MLB on Heavy: New York Yankees Predicted to Sign 2X MLB All-Star to Replace Jazz Chisholm Jr.Could the Yankees Trade for Keibert Ruiz??GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Eduardo Valencia #32 of the Detroit Tigers hits a RBI single in the first inning in front of Keibert Ruiz #20 of the Washington Nationals at Comerica Park on September 21, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Keibert Ruiz stands out as a perfect trade target for the New York Yankees if the Nationals make him available this offseason.Recently, MLBTR.com’s Darragh McDonald discussed the possibility of Ruiz being traded:“That disparity puts the Nationals in an interesting spot. The Ruiz deal looked underwater a year ago but it feels much more palatable now. It has four guaranteed years on it but his salary never gets higher than $9MM in those. The Nats could look to sell high just in case his performance regresses going forward. In 2026, his average exit velocity, hard hit rate and barrel rate improved for him personally but were still below league average. Given his poor approach at the plate, another downturn can’t be ruled out.”Keibert Ruiz is signed to an eight-year, $50 million contract, and as McDonald notes, the Nationals may sell high on Ruiz with the hopes that they can fetch a solid return, and the Yankees may be desperate enough to make the move.More MLB on Heavy: Ex-Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Still a Free Agent After Release  This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post New York Yankees ‘Perfect’ Trade Target is Nationals’ $50 Million Catcher appeared first on HEAVY.