MN Twins Get Another Team USA Representative

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Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins are set to play baseball in 2026, though their status beyond that remains uncertain. Before the regular season begins, however, the sport will take center stage on the global level. The World Baseball Classic returns in 2026, and Team USA will look to avenge its previous loss to Japan and Shohei Ohtani.

The Americans will have no shortage of talent to choose from, and the roster has already begun to take shape. Twins star Byron Buxton has been named to the preliminary group, and it now appears he won’t be the only Minnesota representative.

Joe Ryan confirmed for Team USA roster

When the Twins traded Nelson Cruz to the Tampa Bay Rays for Joe Ryan, the young right-hander was pitching for Team USA in the Olympics. This time around, Ryan will represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic, once again joining former Twins teammate Griffin Jax.

At the time of his Olympic appearance, Ryan was a 25-year-old prospect posting a 3.63 ERA at Triple-A Durham. Now, he enters the World Baseball Classic as a 29-year-old coming off a 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) season with the Twins.

Last year marked Ryan’s best stretch in the majors. By the All-Star break, he carried a 2.72 ERA and looked like a legitimate Cy Young contender. Unfortunately, his performance dipped down the stretch, and he was even rumored in trade discussions.

Minnesota has since made it clear they plan to keep both Ryan and Pablo López while building around them. With new minority investors and a shift in organizational messaging, the Twins appear committed to competing, though how aggressively they support their core remains to be seen. Even modest upgrades could put this roster in position to contend.

For new manager Derek Shelton, the hope is that Ryan enters spring training sharp after pitching in high-profile environments. If Ryan can remain healthy and effective through World Baseball Classic action, it could provide a valuable springboard toward another step forward in 2026.

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