Twins decline options for Josh Bell, Joe Ryan
The Twins recently declined mutual options for Josh Bell and Joe Ryan, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. Bell's option was for $10 million. Ryan's was for $13 million.
Bell is now officially a free agent. Meanwhile, the Twins still control Ryan through arbitration. MLB Trade Rumors projects Ryan will earn $9.6 million in 2027.
Bell has expressed his desire to return to Minnesota, but it doesn't look like there's room for the veteran on the roster. Bell is a primary designated hitter at this point in his career, and Minnesota's position player group is suddenly crowded after top prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Kaelen Culpepper made their MLB debuts this year. Bell hit .255/.319/.419 (106 wRC+) in 154 games with Minnesota in 2026.
Ryan is set to be a free agent after the 2027 season. He had a strong start to the 2026 season but regressed after the second half and missed a month with a glute injury. Ryan posted a 3.79 ERA with a 25.9% strikeout rate and 5.0% walk rate in 27 starts this year.
Twins facing big Ryan Jeffers decision
The qualifying offer deadline is today. Ryan Jeffers is the only player the Twins can extend a QO to. It is worth $23.15 million this offseason, according to the New York Post.
Minnesota will have to decide if it's worth extending the offer to Jeffers. It would be a lot to pay for one year of Jeffers, but it could be worth spending that money to have a good catcher for one more year before Vahn Lackey is hopefully ready for his MLB debut.
If the Twins extend Jeffers a QO and he declines it, Minnesota would receive draft compensation unless he re-signs with the club. If he receives the offer, Jeffers has until the afternoon of Nov. 17 to make a decision.
Twins outright Anthony Banda, Aaron Sabato and Tristan Gray
The Twins recently outrighted left-hander Anthony Banda, first baseman Aaron Sabato and infielder Tristan Gray off the 40-man roster, according to Hayes. They are set to be free agents.
The Twins acquired Banda, a two-time World Series champion, from the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason. He underwent season-ending lat surgery in July. The southpaw posted a 4.46 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 34 1/3 innings in his lone season with Minnesota.
Minnesota selected Sabato in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He finally made his MLB debut in September.
The Twins acquired Gray last offseason. The infielder posted a .591 OPS with four home runs and 29 RBI in 66 games with Minnesota.
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