The whispers that the Minnesota Twins may be open to trading All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan at the MLB trade deadline have turned into loud speculation. While the Twins have stopped short of saying they are shopping Ryan, it's become clear that if the Twins are blown away by an offer, the 29-year-old veteran could be on the move. One of the reasons why The Athletic had Ryan listed as the top trade candidate during their final trade deadline big board.
The key team to unlock a potential Ryan trade may be the Chicago Cubs. As the deadline approaches, the Cubs are in the market for a frontline starting pitcher, and they have the farm system to pull off such a move. That said, if the Cubs are going to trade one of their top prospects for a starting pitcher, they want to make sure it's not a rental situation. The latest from Jesse Rogers of ESPN:
"The Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher first and foremost, but won't part with any top prospects for rentals. They would be willing to trade a young hitter for a cost-controlled pitcher or one already under contract past this season."
Under control until 2028, Ryan would fit that description for the Cubs. For the Twins, the Cubs may also hold the prospect that would blow them away in a potential trade of Ryan.
This Cubs prospect could be the reason Joe Ryan gets dealt
Owen Caissie is the Cubs' best prospect and has been on an absolute tear during July. As the deadline approaches, Caissie is the Cubs' biggest trade chip as they look to address needs on their Major League roster. With the Cubs aiming high in their search for a starting pitcher, and wanting an ace for not just this season, Ryan would make a ton of sense.
5-hit game for @Cubs top-ranked prospect Owen Caissie 😤
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 23, 2025
The left-handed-hitting outfielder has a .941 SLG and 1.380 OPS in 12 contests this month for the Triple-A @IowaCubs: pic.twitter.com/XNFqYfX7KM
Caissie is arguably the best prospect the Twins could hope to land in a potential trade of Ryan. Entering play on Thursday, Caissie has 20 home runs with the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, while hitting .282.
In any deal that the Twins make at the deadline, the belief is that they will be looking for a corner bat who has power. Caissie checks that box and would give the Twins a cost-controlled bat who can be at the center of the lineup for years to come. The Cubs would need to include more in their offer, of course, but Caissie would be a great starting point for the Twins.