Twins expect Ryan Jeffers' injury absence could harm team's offensive production

AL EastBlue JaysOriolesRaysRed SoxYankeesAL CentralGuardiansRoyalsTigersTwinsWhite SoxAL WestAngelsAstrosAthleticsMarinersRangersNL EastBravesMarlinsMetsNationalsPhilliesNL CentralBrewersCardinalsCubsPiratesRedsNL WestDiamondbacksDodgersGiantsPadresRockiesScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsThe Windup NewsletterFantasyMLB ProspectsMLB OddsMLB PicksPower RankingsStarting Pitcher RankingsMLB Latest The Twins purchased the contract of veteran catcher Alex Jackson on Tuesday to fill Ryan Jeffers' spot on the roster. Mark Taylor / Getty Images Share articleMINNEAPOLIS — With Ryan Jeffers’ All-Star-like production, the Minnesota Twins recognize filling in for him over the next two months won’t be easy. The Twins learned they’d be without their catcher for an estimated six to eight weeks Tuesday after an MRI revealed Jeffers suffered a broken left hamate bone in a Monday victory. Not only is he among the league leaders in ABS challenges won, spearheading an aggressive effort for the Twins, but Jeffers also is producing a career year at the plate. After doubling Monday, Jeffers is hitting .295/.408/.541 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs. “I don’t think we can replace the production,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “He’s been one of our most productive hitters. … Right now, we just have to fill the gap. … We’re just going to have to fill it with multiple people because Ryan has been so good.” On a day when the demotion of Royce Lewis received more attention, the Twins felt a far greater loss when Jeffers’ MRI revealed the broken bone. Jeffers entered Tuesday sixth in the majors with 27 challenges won, and he’s second among players in Net Win Probability Added (0.577), according to Tap To Challenge. But Jeffers is even more valuable at the plate. He’s batted third, fourth or fifth in the Twins’ lineup a combined 34 times this season. Offseason efforts to alter his swing and rediscover pull power have resulted in Jeffers already homering seven times and closing in on the nine round-trippers he hit in 2025. “All-Star caliber first six weeks,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said. “A tough injury. He’s having an unbelievable season so far, and one of those freak things.” Though the Twins know replacing Jeffers will be difficult, they feel better positioned to do so than in years past. The club purchased the contract of veteran catcher Alex Jackson on Tuesday to fill Jeffers’ spot on the roster. Wanting their major-league depth to extend to Triple A, the Twins retained Jackson, who’s earning $1.35 million, at the end of spring training instead of offloading him to another club. When the Twins acquired Jackson from the Baltimore Orioles in November in exchange for infielder Payton Seles, they had yet to sign veteran Victor Caratini. Once Caratini signed a two-year deal, the question arose whether the Twins would try to trade Jackson, who’s playing for his eighth organization. But they kept Jackson, who worked closely with Jeffers and Caratini during spring training to learn the pitching staff. “It’s a great group of guys we have,” Jackson said. “No matter the situation or what things are looking like, we were working together and having fun and trying to get to learn the staff so that this way, at any given time we could come in and help each other out and hopefully get things done.” As a big leaguer, Jackson has largely struggled at the plate, bringing a career .527 OPS into this season. Jackson put together his best season with Baltimore in 2025, finishing with a .763 OPS in 100 plate appearances. At Triple A this season, Jackson has an .811 OPS, belting seven homers for St. Paul. But to replace Jeffers’ production, the Twins recognize they’ll need a collective effort from the group. “It’s definitely a hole to fill,” Zoll said. “Other guys are gonna need to step up.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms