One Twins Trade Candidate Can’t Escape Rumors

The reality for the Minnesota Twins this offseason is that they are unlikely to make significant waves. The team is currently projected to operate with a payroll under $100 million. At this point, it’s far more likely they tear things down to the studs than spend up toward the $130-plus million mark they would reach without dumping Carlos Correa.

How far the team scales back remains to be seen. Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez hold the two highest remaining contracts, and dealing either would push payroll even lower. Joe Ryan will earn just under $6 million this season, but he could bring back a strong return.

During an unprecedented selloff at the trade deadline, Ryan was nearly shipped to the Boston Red Sox. The deal fell apart at the last minute, but the groundwork for a future move has already been laid.

Joe Ryan is Near-Certain to be Traded by the Minnesota Twins

Where there’s smoke, fire usually follows. At this point, there has been far too much talk about Joe Ryan being traded for it to logical to expect him back with the Minnesota Twins. Anthony Castrovince floated him in what he labeled a ridiculous trade, and Mark Feinsand called Ryan the most likely player to be moved this offseason.

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 when he lumps Ryan in with both Buxton and Lopez. Those two carry sizable contracts that would clearly represent cost-cutting moves for the ownership overlords. Saving $6 million on Ryan isn’t impactful on its own, though his two years of remaining team control certainly carry value.

The 29-year-old posted a 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) and was earned his first All-Star appearance last season. He carried a 2.72 ERA into the All-Star break and a 2.82 ERA entering the trade deadline. The Twins jerked him around in the second half and it understandably affected a pitcher who has long struggled to keep his emotions in check.

2025 PitchingNinja Sweeper of the Year Award. 🏆

Winner: Joe Ryan
30.5 inches of Horizontal Break 😳 pic.twitter.com/S1TS4IkeXg

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 8, 2025

If there’s ever a time to cut ties and give everyone involved a fresh start, it’s this offseason. Trading Ryan at the deadline or later would be a missed opportunity to capitalize on his value. It should be obvious that Ryan is the kind of player you pay to keep around. But Minnesota isn’t trying to win right now, and turning the page fits the direction they’ve chosen.