The New Twins FO has stated Ryan is one who will NOT be traded, that being said Rumors continue to swirl.  It is pretty obvious that Joe Ryan will not sign a long-term deal in Minnesota.  It has been reported that he wanted out at last years deadline. It is also clear that the Twins by not agreeing to a pre-arb deal over $500K have no interest in keeping him, or at least keeping him happy. At this point if nothing is done, Ryan has 2 ARB years with the Twins then hits FA with at best a QO.  That being said with the QO proven to limit players earnings potential, the new CBA the players will be pushing to eliminate the QO. so the Twins could risk getting nothing.  Speaking of the upcoming CBA, there is a real chance there could be at least a partial season loss with a contentious CBA negotiation on the horizon, so next year may be a wash regardless.

As a result if the Twins do not foresee keeping Ryan longterm, then this offseason is the time to move him.

The perfect team to trade with is now setting up to be the Yankees. The Yankees are still in need of a starter given they will start the year with multiple pitchers still recovering from injury. The Twins need to use that to leverage a solid return.

That return starts with Carlos Lagrange. HE is nearly MLB ready and a top power arm. While near MLB ready the Yankees would prefer a proven potential ACE.

SO what else do we demand?

The Yankees after signing Bellinger have a glut of OF/DH. and while that is also where we have prospects coming there is quality there. whit a potential OF of Bellinger, Judge, Grisham locked in. that means no ABs for Dominguez, or now MLB ready Spencer Jones.

Either Dominguez or Jones could be nice add ins. Dominguez is a butcher in the OF but has a quality bat. Jones has good speed, and while he K’s a lot he also has tons of power. I doubt he is the next Aaron Judge, but I also don’t think he is the next Joey Gallo.

Another option that could be a benefit for the Twins could be Stanton. Stanton has a NT clause, but if the Yankees let him knwo they are going with the switch hitting Dominguez or the future with Jones and as a result his ABs will be slashed, then maybe he would waive NT clause.  Stanton’s deal pays him $29M & $25M over next 2 years, but Miami is already paying $10M each year. leaving just $15M & $19M. What if in order to get a proven top of the rotation arm In Ryan, they would have to eat the $34M remaining on Stanton’s next 2 years?  Then Lagrange and a free Stanton, could be a nice get for the Twins.  What kind of trade chip would Stanton be at the deadline this year??!!!!  especially if he keeps up his HR ratio of 1:10 Abs this year.  HE would be the most in demand trade candidate at the deadline!!  WHiel being FREE for this year and next, along with a team option for 2028.

 

While Legrange may be ready to get some starts in the Bigs, he would obviously not be proven. The Twins could still then look to add a veteran arm like Verlander (my dream) to slot in.