The New York Yankees might not be major players in free agency this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they won’t aggressively explore the trade market.
More specifically, the Yankees have been fielded as a potential trade destination for some of the top pitchers that have been rumored to be available, and two of the most prominent names in that department are Minnesota Twins stars Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez.
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However, New York was dealt some bad news in that department this week, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has reported that the Twins won’t be moving either pitcher.
“The Twins do not anticipate moving center fielder Byron Buxton or right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, according to league sources briefed on their plans. Minnesota’s goal is to keep those players, build around them and compete in 2026,” Rosenthal wrote.
The Twins went just 70-92 this past season, so many expected them to be sellers this offseason. But with Ryan and Lopez both under team control through 2027, Minnesota does not have to be in any rush to jettison either arm.
Of course, that could all change as the winter progresses.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Let’s say, for example, the Yankees come along and offer a package featuring top outfield prospect Spencer Jones and top pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange. Would the Twins then be open to a potential trade?
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I’m not necessarily advocating for New York to part with Jones and Lagrange in the same deal, but I do find it somewhat hard to believe that Minnesota won’t be willing to budge.
Let’s be honest: as weak as the AL Central may be, the chances of the Twins actually competing in 2026 are incredibly slim. It’s not like they will be big spenders in free agency, either. So I do think the Twins would listen of the Yankees came with a strong enough offer.
Ryan in particular would be perfect for the Bronx Bombers because he is estimated to make just $6 million next season, which would easily fit within New York’s payroll even if Hal Steinbrenner really does want to keep the number under $300 million.
Lopez would be a bit more complicated in that regard thanks to the fact that he signed a four-year, $73.5 million extension with Minnesota in April 2023 and is due to earn $21.75 million in each of the next two seasons.
However, if the Yankees are genuinely serious about contending for a World Series, Steinbrenner will have to be a bit less stringent with the budget.