​Yankees predicted to trade for NL Central catcher, not Ryan Jeffers or Hunter Goodman originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Yankees have been tabbed as a team needing a catcher upgrade basically the whole season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs the MLB trade deadline approaches, two names have been most common: Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, and Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman.A third name might have to come into play, though, and that’s Cincinnati Reds backstop Tyler Stephenson.Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller made an important point in a new article on Thursday: Of the names being thrown about, Stephenson is much more likely to actually be dealt.”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,” Miller writes. “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.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE: How Jordan Walker overcame the bust labelGoodman is still under contract for multiple more seasons, so the Rockies don’t have great incentive to trade him unless they’re blown away by an offer.Jeffers is in a contract year, but in the mess that is the AL Central, the Twins might actually decide to go for it rather than deal him away for a minimal return.That leaves Stephenson, a part of a Reds team that is scuffling mightily.Stephenson is also a free agent at the end of the season, and there won’t be any illusions of grandeur in Cincinnati.Stephenson’s OPS is down to .680 this season from his career mark of .754, but he’s generally a solid righty bat. He wouldn’t cost a ton but could fill the role the Yankees would need from him.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe former first-round pick will turn 30 in August, so New York could view him as a logical rental.Jeffers and Goodman will still be in the rumors, but don’t be surprised if it ends up being Stephenson in pinstripes.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