The Yankees are exploring their options at catcher before the trade deadline, and Jonah Heim from the Athletics is emerging as a potential target.
General manager Brian Cashman recently called the team’s catching situation an “issue” heading into the second half. While Austin Wells has shown some pop lately with a few home runs, his overall season numbers haven’t been encouraging.
The Yankees are already looking at Hunter Goodman from Colorado and Ryan Jeffers from Minnesota. But if those deals don’t materialize, Heim could be Plan C.
“Jonah Heim is probably the most valuable expiring contract for the A’s to dangle at the deadline. The 31-year-old is a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner at catcher,” FanSided’s Christopher Kline wrote Monday.
Here’s what makes Heim interesting: he’s been pushed into a utility role because Shea Langeliers has taken over behind the plate in Oakland. That means Heim’s getting at-bats at first base and DH, but he’s still sharp defensively when he catches.
“The [Shea] Langeliers explosion has forced Heim to spend a lot of time at first base or DH, but he’s still razor-sharp behind home plate. Any team looking to upgrade its catcher at-bats without a huge defensive sacrifice should inquire.”
Now, Heim doesn’t exactly fit what Cashman said he wanted – he’s a switch-hitter, not strictly right-handed. But the way he’d be used matters more than his natural side.
Most of Heim’s at-bats would come against lefties anyway. In 78 plate appearances against southpaws this season, he’s hitting .283 with an .783 OPS. Those numbers drop significantly against righties – .174 average and .541 OPS in 86 at-bats.
The underlying metrics aren’t pretty, and Heim’s never been mistaken for an offensive force. Kline notes that playing at Sutter Health Park certainly helps his numbers.
“That said, Heim’s clutch-time heroics have become difficult to ignore. He delivers in big spots and brings extremely positive vibes, on top of a valuable skill set at a position where consistent offensive production is scarce.”
Heim might not be as exciting as Goodman or Jeffers, but he’s clearly an upgrade over Ali Sanchez. The Yankees need someone with major league experience who can handle their pitching staff and provide decent at-bats in key situations.
At 31, Heim’s also on an expiring contract, which makes him more affordable from both a prospect and payroll standpoint. For a team looking to patch a hole without breaking the bank, he’s the kind of veteran stopgap that could make sense.
