Minnesota Twins All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan's name has frequently been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason. Many thought he 100% would be on a new team when the 2026 season began. However, the Twins decided to hold onto the righty, which is the right decision if they want to be competitive this year.
Sure, making more moves this offseason would put the Twins in a much better spot to compete, but they still have the talent to make a playoff run. Byron Buxton and Pablo López are among the game's best players. Luke Keaschall looks like a future All-Star. Several highly-regarded prospects appear ready to make the jump to the big leagues soon. And the starting rotation has plenty of depth.
And while it would've been nice if the Twins made more substantial moves this offseason, they have made a few solid low-cost additions, signing catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini, first baseman Josh Bell and lefty reliever Taylor Rogers. They've also traded for established bullpen arms Anthony Banda and Eric Orze. Additionally, they've signed several high-upside relievers to minor-league deals, including Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather. Signing infielders Gio Urshela and Orlando Arcia to minor league deals are solid low-cost moves, too.
Even though many fans are upset with the direction the Twins have taken in recent years, they should still tune in to watch their favorite team this upcoming season. Despite uncertainties surrounding the roster, Ryan is optimistic for the 2026 campaign.
"I'm really happy to be here and with the other guys they kept around," Ryan said to reporters, including MLB.com's Matthew Leach. “I think if they started shipping off more guys it would have been a little bit harder."
Joe Ryan's positive quote should give fans reason to be excited for 2026 season
Some fans may think Ryan isn't genuinely happy to be a Twin, despite what he said. However, the righty has never been shy about his feelings regarding how the Twins operate. Toward the end of last season, Ryan told The Minnesota Star Tribune's Phill Miller that letting Sonny Gray walk in free agency was "the biggest mistake" the team had made since the Tampa Bay Rays traded him to the Twins in 2021 for designated hitter Nelson Cruz. Therefore, if Ryan says he's happy to be a Twin, fans have no reason not to believe him and should be excited for the upcoming season.
While there are reasons to be excited for the Twins' 2026 season, fans should still keep expectations in check. There are many questions surrounding Minnesota's roster. But the team is still abundant with talent, and Ryan is clearly optimistic that the club can do great things this upcoming season.