The New York Yankees badly need an upgrade at catcher. Well, a dream option — Colorado Rockies All-Star Hunter Goodman — is reportedly more likely than ever to be moved before a lockout begins on Dec. 1.

Despite winning 93 games while being in the same division as the Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees had some obvious weaknesses this season. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a down year. Third baseman Ryan McMahon continued to disappoint at the plate after being acquired before the 2025 trade deadline. And homegrown product Austin Wells was an automatic out all season.

Heading into the offseason, the expectation was that New York would try to upgrade second and/or third since more worthwhile options at those positions would be available on the free agent and trade markets. However, a new rumor this week kicked open the door to a trade for one of the game’s best hitting catchers.

Hunter Goodman is back on the market

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, “Rival MLB teams believe the Rockies are more willing to move All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman” than they were before August’s trade deadline. The MLB insider claims a key reason for the change of heart is a belief that Goodman being under team control through 2029 will make him extremely appealing to other teams since it is unclear if a salary cap will arrive in the next CBA.

Goodman was one of several catchers linked to the Yankees this summer. However, it became clear as things got closer to the trade deadline that the Rockies were unwilling to move the 27-year-old star. The Yankees did not add a catcher in a trade, but if Goodman is really available, they must jump at the opportunity.

The two-time All-Star is leaps and bounds better than Wells at the plate after posting a .245/.310/.529/.839 slashline this season. However, beyond being just an above-average hitting catcher, he is one of the top sluggers in the National League after banging out a career-high 41 bombs in 2026. He also hit 31 the year before, so this past season wasn’t a fluke.

What could a November Hunter Goodman trade cost the New York Yankees?

Morosi noted that Goodman is under team control — through arbitration — for three more seasons. Meaning the Yankees could get an elite hitting catcher at an affordable rate for several seasons. However, he obviously won’t be cheap in a trade. But New York does have some good chips to offer.

While the Rockies need help all over the field, they badly need pitching, and the Yankees have a lot to offer. Including young players or veterans on affordable deals. Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, Clarke Schmidt, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil could all be part of a trade package. Plus, top pitching prospects Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange could be part of a deal.

Furthermore, depending on who the Yankees sign in free agency, rookie Spencer Jones — who could be a home run monster in Colorado — and Luis Garcia Jr. might be added to a trade package to sweeten the pot. So the Yankees could make a very appealing offer for the Rockies star.