Aaron Judge (Image Source: Getty) The New York Yankees are expected to look for starting pitching help as they push toward another title run. One option that continues to come up is a potential deal with the Minnesota Twins involving left-hander Joe Ryan. While nothing is close, the structure of a possible trade shows how the needs of both teams could line up.In this scenario, the Yankees would move three young players in exchange for a starter who can take the ball every fifth day. The Twins, meanwhile, would turn one established arm into multiple controllable pieces who could shape their roster over the next few seasons.
How the trade would be structured
New York Yankees would send Will Warren, Spencer Jones, and Bryce Cunningham to Minnesota. The Twins would send Joe Ryan, who is under team control through 2027.For the Yankees, this is about certainty. Ryan is already proven and durable. For the Twins, it is about volume and control, adding players who can contribute at different stages of development.
Joe Ryan gives the Yankees rotation stability
Metric2025 season (MIN)Career (through 2025) Age 29 29 W–L 13–10 46–36 ERA 3.42 3.79 Innings pitched 171.0 641.1 Strikeouts 194 719 WHIP 1.04 1.06 K/9 10.2 10.1 Walks per 9 2.0 2.0 Avg. exit velocity 90.2 mph ~90.0 mph Barrel % allowed 11.5% ~11–12%
FILE – New York Yankees’ Cody Bellinger runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
Joe Ryan limits walks, strikes out hitters, and has shown he can handle a full workload. In a Yankees rotation that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency, his ability to log innings matters as much as his results.
Will Warren adds immediate depth for Minnesota Twins
Metric2025 (NYY)MiLB Career (through 2025) Age 24 24 W–L 9–8 25–18 ERA 4.44 4.31 Innings pitched 162.1 367.2 Strikeouts 171 410 WHIP 1.37 1.33 K/9 9.5 10.0 Walks per 9 3.4 3.1Warren is ready to pitch in the majors and comes with five years of team control. He may not be dominant, but he can provide innings and flexibility.
Spencer Jones brings power and speed
Metric2025 MiLB (AAA/AA)MiLB Career Age 24 24 Plate appearances ~500 ~1,700 AVG/OBP/SLG .274/.362/.571 .271/.349/.490 Home runs 35 72 RBIs 80 236 Stolen bases 29 109 OPS .933 .839Jones offers power, speed, and defensive versatility. He is close to the majors and could fit into Minnesota’s outfield plans.
Bryce Cunningham is the long-term play
Metric2025 (High-A) Age 22 W–L 5–3 ERA 2.82 Innings pitched 54.1 Strikeouts 55 WHIP 1.12 K/9 9.1 Walks per 9 2.6Cunningham is further away but has starter traits and time to develop.
My two cents on the proposed trade
For the New York Yankees, this move is about improving the rotation right now. For the Minnesota Twins, it is about adding depth and control for the future. Short term, New York gains more. Long term, Minnesota takes on the upside.