Joe Ryan’s MLB Debut is just the Beginning for Minnesota Twins Prospects

The Minnesota Twins made the decision to call up Triple-AAA starter Joe Ryan on Tuesday, making him likely to be the 34th pitcher (and 15th starter) the organization has used in 2021. Ryan, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Nelson Cruz trade, made just two starts for the St. Paul Saints before being brought up to the bigs.

Granted, he was definitely ready. The Minnesota Twins’ No. 6 Prospect had started 11 games for the Rays affiliate in 2021, earning a 3.63 ERA, a 0.789 WHIP, and a sparkling 75-10 K-BB ratio, all in 57 innings. He followed that up with a stellar performance at the Olympics for team USA, starting two games, allowing two runs and striking out eight over 10.1 innings.

There was a little concern over how he would adjust in a new system, but in his two starts, he allowed just two runs in nine innings and struck out SEVENTEEN batters. It was quite the site for fans in Twins Territory. Here were the highlights from his first outing:

It’s easy to see what’s exciting about Ryan, but here’s the best part: Ryan should only be the first of many for the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins have stocked their pitching staff with top young arms, as seven of their Top 10 prospects are pitchers. While guys like Simeon Woods-Richardson, Matt Canterino, and Chase Petty all aren’t likely to make their debuts in 2021 (Petty’s debut likely won’t come for several years), several top arms will make their debuts soon.

Jordan Balazovic, easily the top arm in the system and the No. 85 prospect in the MLB has a 3.62 ERA and 83-30 K-BB ratio at Double-AA Wichita. Jhoan Duran and Josh Winder have made it to Triple-AAA. It’s entirely possible they could make a spot start in the MLB to finish off the year.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll see Cole Sands (the Twins’ No. 19 prospect) dominating at Double-AA and Drew Strotman (the Twins’ No. 17 prospect) at Triple-AAA too. That’s a lot of big league talent on the doorstep.

It’s probable that Ryan will be the last starting pitching prospect that the Twins call up in 2021. Jovani Moran, Jose Miranda, and a few more advanced players (relievers especially) are likely to be called up this September. Just don’t think for a second that there isn’t a lot more coming by the end of next year.