Big Market Teams Preparing to Bid on Twins’ Top Trade Piece

This offseason has the potential to be an incredibly deflating one for the Minnesota Twins. Since the franchise went on their 2023 postseason run, all ownership has done is dial things back.

The trade deadline saw nearly 40% of the roster shipped out, and the manager was canned at the end of the season. A new leader will be brought in soon, but they could struggle to orchestrate a competitive team if more cuts are made.

It’s looking like Joe Ryan is certainly on the trade market, and with big fish circling, there will be a market to move him.

Expect premium teams to come calling on Joe Ryan

The Boston Red Sox nearly landed Joe Ryan at the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Despite them coming up short during the season, it’s likely they will engage the Minnesota Twins again this offseason. The New York Mets could get involved too and SNY’s John Harper has heard plenty of discussion.

“They [Boston] like him a lot and with their outfield depth they match up well with the Twins. I’d give that a pretty good chance of happening unless somebody like the Mets makes Ryan a priority and puts together a stronger package.”

Anonymous Scout – SNY

It’s pretty easy to believe that the Red Sox would remain interested as that was the case just a couple of months ago. It remains to be seen how much opportunity the Twins have in the outfield, which is the primary position Boston was willing to offer. New York could offer a different package, and they may believe Ryan has more to unlock.

“He’s got that natural ride on his fastball that allows him to get swings and misses at the top of zone, despite average velocity (93.6 mph). But he gave up a lot of home runs on the fastball, too. He’s got good secondary stuff, and I think he could do a lot more with pitch shaping and sequencing.

A team like the Mets, who have leaned into the analytics under Stearns, could help him with that and make that fastball even more of a weapon. He’s got a good feel as it is, but I think if he becomes less predictable, he’ll make fewer mistakes and you’ll see more dominance.”

Anonymous Scout – SNY

That’s certainly the belief Minnesota had when they acquired Ryan. He was already at Triple-A when the Rays shipped him out for Nelson Cruz. Ryan has thrived with the Twins and his 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) was a career-low.

Ryan is projected to earn $5.8 million in arbitration this offseason. It’s a slight bump from his 2025 $3 million salary, but still substantially lower than what he would be worth on the open market.

If and when the Twins decide to move Ryan, and Pablo Lopez and his $21.75 million salary for 2026 should be good as gone too.