Reds Rumors: Tyler Stephenson could spark AL East bidding war at the trade deadline

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson was already going to be a popular name at this year's trade deadline, but recent events may have enhanced his profile all the more. There'll be no shortage of suitors if the Reds make Stephenson available, and three of those teams may reside in the American League East.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays will all be looking for a catcher at this year's trade deadline. With that many contenders looking to add a quality backstop, Stephenson's price tag may have just gone up.

Reds Rumors: Shortage of catchers could make Tyler Stephenson even more valuable

The Minnesota Twins are reportedly planning to buy at this year's trade deadline. That means starting catcher Ryan Jeffers is likely off limits. Athletics backstop Shea Langeliers, who was drawing considerable trade interest, just landed on the injured list, and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.

That puts Stephenson in the mix with Colorado Rockies' catcher Hunter Goodman as the two most prominent backstops who are likely to moved at the trade deadline. The Rockies' asking price is said to be exceedingly high, leading many insiders to believe he'll be staying put at the deadline.

Stephenson is in the final year of team control and is scheduled to reach free agency this coming offseason. There's been no contract talks between the two sides, and with the Reds expected to offload a number of players on expiring contracts, Stephenson is likely to be moved before next Monday's deadline.

Given Austin Wells' struggles this season, the Yankees are rumored to be targeting a right-handed hitting catcher. The Red Sox have surged back into contention and are looking for an improvement over the tandem of Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong. The ever-opportunistic Rays are currently relying on the 1-2 punch of Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia behind the plate, and in need of an upgrade.

Heading into play on Monday, the Reds are just five games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot, but have a number of teams ahead of them in the standings — all of whom are likely to add at the deadline. Though Stephenson is beloved by the fanbase and in the clubhouse, it seems as if he's entering the final days of his Reds' career.

At the moment, it's a seller's market, and the Reds would be foolish not to take advantage. Unless they have plans to extend Stephenson beyond this season, he should be sold to the highest bidder before next week's deadline.

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