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Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan
The 2026 MLB season is coming up quickly and the New York Yankees are beginning to start spring training.
Coming out of an offseason that saw the Yankees take a more passive approach, fans are a bit concerned about the team’s ability to contend for a World Series run. However, the roster is talented and will have a chance if it plays up to its full potential.
While New York didn’t make any outside splash move during the offseason, the team was able to retain star outfielder Cody Bellinger on a five-year, $162.5 million contract. There will also be a chance for the Yankees to make improvements via the trade market as the 2026 MLB season moves forward.
Keeping that in mind, New York has been connected to a blockbuster trade target.
New York Yankees Linked to Blockbuster Trade Idea for Star Pitcher
Matthew Schmidt of Roundtable Sports has suggested an extremely interesting scenario for the Yankees. He thinks that Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan could be a name to watch for New York.
“Chances are, New York will be linked to at least one star player between now and Aug. 3, and perhaps the most obvious name is Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan,” Schmidt wrote.
“Ryan was floated as a potential option for the Yanks this offseason, but with two more years of club control remaining, Minnesota was in no rush to move him. The asking price was also surely exorbitant.”
Ryan would be an elite trade target for the Yankees. After they were linked to Freddy Peralta before the Milwaukee Brewers traded him away to the New York Mets, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Brian Cashman continue looking for more starting pitching.
New York may not have interest in pursuing a blockbuster trade, but a move for Ryan would be difficult to pass on.
What Would the Yankees Be Getting in Joe Ryan?
Last season with the Twins, the 29-year-old pitcher made 30 starts and appeared in 31 games. He compiled a 13-10 record to go along with a 3.42 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, a 5.0 K/BB ratio, and 171 innings pitched.
With Ryan still being 29 years old, the Yankees would be acquiring a player who could be a long-term cornerstone for their franchise. Being able to join a contending team could also take Ryan’s game to the next level.
At this point in time, there is no telling what Minnesota would ask for in a Ryan trade. If the price tag isn’t too expensive, New York should absolutely pursue a trade for him.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about the Yankees as the season gets underway. There are going to be a lot of trade targets suggested for the team and this likely won’t be the last time Ryan’s name is connected to New York.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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