With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Seattle Mariners are once again being linked to potential roster upgrades, and one area attracting attention is behind the plate.

While Cal Raleigh remains one of the organization’s cornerstone players, his recent offensive struggles have fueled discussion about whether Seattle should pursue Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers to strengthen the lineup and ease the workload at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.

At least that’s what Chris Lewis of Heavy.com thinks.

Raleigh has established himself as one of the premier catchers in the majors over the past several seasons, providing elite defense, leadership, and power at the plate. However, his recent slump has exposed how heavily Seattle depends on his production. When Raleigh isn’t producing offensively, the Mariners have struggled to find consistent offense from the catcher position, leaving the lineup vulnerable during an important stretch of the season.

That has led some analysts to suggest Jeffers as a logical trade target. The Twins backstop has developed into a reliable offensive catcher who offers above-average power and the ability to contribute against both left-handed and right-handed pitching.

Adding Jeffers would not necessarily signal a lack of confidence in Raleigh. Instead, it could provide Seattle with a capable second catcher who can start regularly, keep Raleigh fresher over the course of the season, and occasionally serve as a designated hitter option.

The Mariners have long valued defense behind the plate, but their offense has often been inconsistent. Jeffers could help address that issue by adding another productive bat without forcing the club to sacrifice defensive stability. His ability to split time at catcher would also reduce the physical toll on Raleigh, whose demanding role behind the plate requires significant wear and tear over a 162-game season.

Acquiring Jeffers would not come without challenges. Minnesota would have to be willing to move one of its top catchers, and Seattle would likely need to part with meaningful prospects or major league-ready talent to complete a deal.

The Mariners have generally been cautious about trading away their young talent, meaning any negotiations would require careful consideration from both organizations.

Still, if Seattle believes it has an opportunity to contend for a postseason berth, the front office could determine that improving the offense outweighs the cost of a trade. Catchers capable of producing offensively are difficult to find, making Jeffers one of the more intriguing names that could become available if the Twins decide to listen to offers.

Whether a deal ultimately materializes remains uncertain, but the conversation highlights Seattle’s desire to maximize its roster heading into the final months of the season.

While Raleigh remains the franchise’s long-term answer behind the plate, adding another proven catcher could provide valuable insurance and improve the Mariners’ offensive depth as they look to strengthen their playoff chances.