Joe Ryan Wouldn’t Mind Being Traded by MN Twins

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have done effectively nothing at each of the past two MLB trade deadlines. And now, with the 2025 deadline is quickly approaching, the 47-49 Twins could be buyers or sellers.

There are just two weeks (12 games) between now and Major League Baseball’s July 31st trade deadline, which officially hits at 5 pm CDT that day. Minnesota’s president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, will field numerous calls up to the moment that final bell rings.

Trade season has sparked Minnesota Twins Joe Ryan’s interest

How the Twins — who have won six of their last nine games — come out of the All-Star Break will likely decide what kind of business Falvey and his front office minions wind up conducting, but if they decide to sell, the probability we see big time fireworks goes way up.

Other organizations have already inundated Target Field with scouts, in the hopes that Minnesota will move toward selling. Yes, other teams are keeping tabs on the most obvious Twins trade candidates.

Joe Ryan - Minnesota Twins at Miami Marlins
Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

That most-tradeable players list includes those who are getting up in arbitration years, like Willi Castro and Ryan Jeffers; along with veterans who are due to hit free agency this offseason, including Chris Paddack and Christian Vazquez.

But what if the Twins decide to completely tear it down, or if they get an offer on someone less moveable, that they just cannot say no to? Well, if that happens, we know Byron Buxton isn’t going anywhere. He made that clear during All-Star Game media day.

But not all players garnering outside trade interest are as dedicated to staying in Minnesota as Buck. Another Twin down in Atlanta this week is starting pitcher, Joe Ryan. He too was asked about recent trade rumors he’s been involved in, and his answer was a lot different than Buck’s.

Joe Ryan excited at the thought of being traded by Twins…?

In fact, Joe seems like he’d be tickled pink if another team convinced the MN Twins to pack him up and ship him out. He told a reporter on Monday that this time of year is exciting for him. While Ryan admitted that it would be sad to say goodbye to Minnesota, being traded at the deadline clearly excites him.

“The trade stuff…it’s fun for me. July is awesome. I think everyone in the clubhouse gets excited, seeing where guys are going to go around the league. You don’t know and I think that’s exciting. Being someone that could get traded, it would be exciting. I mean, I do love Minnesota and I love where I’m at so, it would be sad, definitely hard to go. At the end of the day, it’s never up to me.”

Joe Ryan on the trade rumors

It’s important to note that the question was posed by Boston Red Sox beat writer Rob Bradford. This, days after Ryan was connected to Boston in recent trade rumors. No doubt, this answer from Joe was eyebrow-raising, at the least.

Minnesota acquired the former Cal State – Stanislaus standout while he was a prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, in exchange for a 40-year-old Nelson Cruz. Since arriving, the Twins coaching staff has helped to unlock Ryan’s ceiling in a way that the Rays did not see as plausible, when they made that deal.

Joe Ryan became a 2025 All-Star by posting a career-best 2.72 ERA (3.20 FIP) with a 121/23 K/BB across 109 1/3 innings during the first half of this season. As a competitor you want to be in a position where you can succeed to the greatest extent. It’s unfortunate that the MN Twins have willingly opted against that goal.

I’m sure it’s not lost on Ryan that the Pohlad family has refused to invest in the team, since they Twins made their playoff run in 2023. Calling the deadline “fun for me” and suggesting that being traded away would be “exciting” stings a bit. I’m guessing I’m not the only fan who feels that way, either.

MN Twins would command a haul for Joe Ryan

Whether or not the Minnesota Twins actually move Joe Ryan remains to be seen. But if they want to reinvigorate their minor league system, there’s no doubt Ryan gives them their best opportunity to do that, undoubtedly bringing back more than top relievers Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax would.

Ryan is 29 years old, but he just became arbitration-eligible for the first time this season. He’s under contract for three more years (through 2028) after this season, where he is making a paltry $3 million.

The closest trade comp of recent memory would be when the Minnesota Twins flipped a 27-year-old Jose Berrios, before the 2022 season. Even then, Berrios was a year closer to free agency, than what Ryan is now. That deal landed two top 100 prospects, at the time (Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson).

Related: Minnesota Twins Open to Trading Joe Ryan…?

Derek Falvey will need to consider all options in the weeks ahead. Interestingly as well, Minnesota hosts the Boston Red Sox from July 28-30. When the final pitch of that series is thrown, there will be just one sleep left before the deadline.

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