The Minnesota Twins have made it clear that they do not want to trade their star players this offseason. Minnesota feels as if the team can compete with starting pitcher Joe Ryan and outfielder Byron Buxton leading the way. Given the fact that the Tampa Bay Rays received a big return for starter Shane Baz from the Baltimore Orioles in their recent trade, however, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently wondered on Foul Territory if the Twins may change their mind on a possible Ryan move.
“It will even be interesting to see if the Twins with Joe Ryan, who have been adamant about not trading Joe Ryan, now get tempted,” Rosenthal said. “Because he’s a guy with two years of control, into possibly doing something, knowing what might be out there. Again, might be out there.”
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Ryan was mentioned as a potential trade candidate early in the offseason. It was later reported that Minnesota was not intending to move the starter. The Rays received four prospects and a draft pick for Baz — who is coming off a down 2025 season. As a result, Rosenthal’s question makes sense, as one has to wonder what Minnesota could receive for Ryan — who pitched to a 3.42 ERA and earned an All-Star selection in 2025.
While the Twins are still unlikely to move Ryan, perhaps an eye-popping trade proposal could lead to a change in their plans. It is worth mentioning that Ryan is a few years older than Baz (Ryan is 29 and Baz is 26), but he’s also much more proven and is still in his prime.
Pitchers such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez and Zac Gallen remain available in free agency. Ryan is in the same conversation with those pitchers when it comes to talent, and he would come at a much cheaper price from a financial standpoint. He is arbitration eligible in both 2026 and 2027.
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Of course, a team that acquires him could engage in contract extension talks as well. A contract extension could prove to be cheaper than signing any of the aforementioned pitchers in free agency, as there would not be competition from other ball clubs.
It will be intriguing to see if the Twins warm up to the idea of trading Joe Ryan before the 2026 campaign. It will be a situation to closely follow as the offseason moves forward.