Dodgers Tried To Trade For Two Yankees Catchers
Per FanSided's Pat Ragazzo, the Dodgers called the Yankees about catchers J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
Both are known more for their defensive ability than their bats, which had struggled at the major league level this season, but New York wasn't willing to move either one.
New York Said No
Ragazzo reported the Yankees were hesitant to deal either player given how thin their depth already was, compounded by a rough first half from starter Austin Wells.
Parting with Escarra or Sanchez would have left New York dangerously exposed at the position if Wells' early-season struggles had continued.
The Dodgers reportedly showed interest in Yankees backup catchers J.C. Escarra and Ali Sánchez at the trade deadline, per @ragazzoreport.
— SleeperYankees (@SleeperYankees) September 4, 2026
Would you have traded either of them to LA? 👀 pic.twitter.com/OuinS10r77
Wells turned his season around in the second half, while Sanchez proved capable against left-handed pitching and Escarra caught fire at Triple-A, leaving the Yankees satisfied with standing pat rather than dealing from a position that ultimately stabilized on its own.
The Dodgers Filled The Gap Instead
The Dodgers instead acquired Ben Rortvedt, a familiar face who'd previously played for the organization, from the Mets in exchange for right-hander Chayce McDermott.
They also landed catcher Hunter Feduccia and minor league pitcher Jacob Kmatz from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Jack Suwinski and international bonus pool considerations.
That depth turned out to matter. With both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing sidelined for stretches this season, Feduccia stepped in and hit .255 with a .701 OPS across 22 games, production that helped keep the Dodgers afloat during a difficult stretch with thinning personnel behind the plate.
Los Angeles has since designated Rortvedt for assignment, keeping Feduccia as the primary alternative to Smith once healthy.
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