Many thought the Twins would trade Joe Ryan at the 2025 trade deadline. People had the same thought last offseason and at this year's trade deadline. The Twins obviously opted to keep Ryan. Unfortunately, it looks like they probably should've dealt him after missing the playoffs the last two years. He is under team control through next season before hitting free agency unless the Twins unexpectedly sign him to an extension.
With Ryan slated to hit free agency soon, the Twins might look to trade him before the 2027 season. It's a similar situation to the Milwaukee Brewers and Freddy Peralta; before the 2026 season, Peralta's final year of his contract, the Brewers traded him to the New York Mets for a prospect package. The Twins might do the same with Ryan to ensure they maximize his value before he hits the free-agent market.
However, if the Twins trade Ryan before the start of the 2027 season, it likely won't be until after the Dec. 1 lockout. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, players with one year of control left are unlikely to be dealt for prospects this month because of uncertainty about the 2027 season. However, Morosi also added that pending free agents could be traded for each other. So, if the Twins trade Ryan before the deadline, it would be for another player on an expiring contract.
The Twins shouldn't trade Joe Ryan for another player on an expiring contract
Honestly, it wouldn't make much sense for the Twins to move Ryan for another player with just one year of control left. The whole point of moving Ryan would be to get young players for the future. Unless the Twins are certain they could move Ryan for a pending free agent who is much better than him, which isn't likely, they should keep him for now.
Many in the industry believe the looming lockout could extend through the regular season, canceling games. The owners want a salary cap, and the players do not. Neither side appears willing to compromise.
If there is a 2027 season and the Twins decide to keep Ryan for at least the start of it, they could move him at the deadline if the team ends up as sellers.
Ryan had an amazing start to the 2026 season, posting a 2.85 ERA with 128 strikeouts over 110 1/3 innings. However, he made only seven starts after the All-Star break due to a glute injury and struggled mightily, posting a 6.82 ERA over 34 1/3 innings. Since making his MLB debut in 2021, Ryan has recorded a 3.79 ERA with 878 strikeouts and 179 walks in 786 innings.
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