MN Twins Players Crying Out for Deadline Help
After knocking off the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night, the Minnesota Twins are 45-47 and within striking distance of .500 for the first time since being 12-12 on April 22nd.
Unfortunately, Byron Buxton won’t be playing the rest of the first half or in the All-Star Game next week, after aggravating his nagging hip injury.
If Minnesota is going to chase down the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians, while keeping the Detroit Tigers in their rearview mirror, they’ll need some reinforcements at the trade deadline – the opposite of what happened this time last year.
Joe Ryan urges MN Twins to add
Joe Ryan — who was almost traded at the deadline last season — made the 2026 All-Star roster too. But he’s not worried about the Midsummer Classic right now.
Instead, Ryan is focused on winning games so the Twins can add at the deadline, instead of subtract. Here’s what the 30-year-old told Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune) recently.
“We have to keep winning baseball games. We have a good stretch this month ahead of us. Put our foot down and put ourselves in a spot to add [players] in a month, keep going from there and play baseball as long as we can this year and keep rolling.”
Joe Ryan
At least for now, adding appears to be the plan Tom Pohlad wants to go with. After doing next to nothing over the offseason, the Minnesota Twins should have plenty of additional capital to bolster the roster.
They could use another quality starter, and have needed bullpen help since ripping apart the group last summer.
Joe Ryan, Wicked 84mph Slider. 🤢
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 5, 2026
9th K pic.twitter.com/goguNmEeOZ
Ryan owns a 2.85 ERA (2.83 FIP) and is having the best season of his career. He’s currently in line for real Cy Young consideration, and looks every bit the part of a pitcher that can win postseason games for the MN Twins. While Taj Bradley has flashed at times (10 strikeouts and 1 ER over 7.0 IP on Tuesday), Derek Shelton’s rotation could use more.
What the Twins would be willing to part with remains to be seen, but there are straightforward ways to strengthen the roster without giving up monumental assets.
Byron Buxton loving Minnesota Twins vibes too
Although he is unquestionably frustrated to finish the first half on the injured list, Byron Buxton has had an incredible season thus far. Batting .271 with a .904 OPS, Buck said this is as much fun as he has ever had playing baseball, and he’s already made it clear he’ll be going nowhere anytime soon.
“This year is just different. I truly think this is the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. Just with the support we have in here, the resilience the team has, everything that makes this group us, it’s been a special group so far. I know I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Byron Buxton
The 32-year-old has been part of the Twins organization since being selected second overall in the 2012 MLB Draft. Despite dealing with health hurdles of his own, and seeing the organization go through different stages of competitiveness, he’s remained steadfast in his love for the organization.
Buxton was injured in 2023 when the Minnesota Twins won their playoff series against the Toronto Blue Jays. He made an appearance in a single at-bat against the Houston Astros, but this time surely would love to be a regular contributor in the playoffs.
Minnesota’s lineup has been impressive, ranking 7th in runs scored and 6th in RBI, giving the Twins a chance to win almost every night. Even with a league-worst bullpen ERA (5.25), that kind of offense keeps the pitching staff feeling like they are never out of a game.
“It’s all smiles in the dugout. Just having a good time. We’re yelling in the dugout, the locker room is phenomenal. Everybody is having a good time. Bus rides, plane rides, everything is all smiles on all cylinders. Instead of grinding, we’re having fun.”
Taj Bradley via Aaron Gleeman
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