One Twins Trade Candidate Can’t Escape Rumors

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Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The reality for the Minnesota Twins this offseason is that they are unlikely to make significant waves. This team is currently projected to check in with a payroll under $100 million. It’s far more likely they tear things down to the studs than it is they spend to even the $130-plus million mark they’d be at without dumping Carlos Correa.

How far the team is dialed back remains to be seen. Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez own the two highest remaining contracts, and dealing either could drop things even further. Joe Ryan will earn just under $6 million this season, but he could generate a nice return.

During an unprecedented selloff at the trade deadline, Ryan was nearly shipped to the Boston Red Sox. Things fell apart at the last minute, but the groundwork has been laid.

Joe Ryan is near-certain to be traded by Minnesota Twins

Where there is smoke, fire often follows. At this point there has been way too much talk about Joe Ryan being traded for him to logically be back with the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Castrovince proposed the pitcher in what he called a ridiculous trade, and Mark Feinsand called him the most likely player to be moved.

Ryan’s name was oft-mentioned prior to last summer’s Trade Deadline, though he was ultimately one of the few players to remain in Minnesota. The Twins have some decisions to make this winter; do they go into a full rebuild, prompting them to trade Ryan (and Byron Buxton, Pablo López, Ryan Jeffers, etc.)? Or do they try to contend in the AL Central and add pieces around those players? If they choose Option A, Ryan will be a highly sought-after arm.

Mark Feinsand – MLB

I struggle to agree with Feinsand in lumping Ryan together with both Buxton and Lopez. Those two have sizable contracts that would represent a cost-cutting move for the ownership overlords. Saving $6 million on Ryan isn’t substantial, but two years of team control carries weight.

The 29-year-old posted a 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) and was named to his first All-Star Game. He had a 2.72 ERA prior to the All-Star Game and a 2.82 ERA right before the trade deadline. The Twins jerked him around and it messed with a guy who has always struggled to keep his emotions in check.

If there’s an opportunity to cut ties and give all parties a new chance to move forward, then this offseason is it. Trading Ryan at the deadline or beyond would be a misstep of capitalizing on his value. It should be so much more obvious that Ryan is a guy you pay to keep around. Minnesota isn’t trying to win though, and turning the page makes sense.

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