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MLB: Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers May 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs could look to pursue AL Central ace in the trade market this summer

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 23, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are hoping that they have found a solution at third base so all of their attention at the trade deadline this summer can go toward pitching. Matt Shaw had an impressive series to begin the week in Miami after being called up from Triple-A. The organization’s top prospect began the campaign as Chicago’s third baseman, but got sent down to Iowa after struggling at the plate in his first 18 games at the big league level.

Fans instantly began to to worry that the front office would need to address the hot corner well before the trade deadline, but Shaw is hoping that won’t be necessary. If he can stay somewhat consistent moving forward, there is a good chance that management won’t need to make any significant changes from a position player standpoint, barring any injuries.

If this can hold true for the Cubs, all of their focus can be locked in on improving their pitching staff with the resources that they are alright cutting ties with. They have dealt with some injuries in the rotation already this spring, and the bullpen hasn’t held up their end of the bargain on select nights. If an AL Central squad falls off in the standings and decides to sell at the deadline, one of their big time arms could be a fit for the Cubs.

Joe Ryan is exactly what the Chicago Cubs need

Joe Ryan has been a key cog in the Minnesota Twins rotation over the past few years. The right-hander has pitched in 10 games and has made nine starts in 2025. Ryan has posted a 2.68 ERA with an eye-popping 0.81 WHIP in 57.0 innings tossed. The 28-year-old has a 4-2 record and is striking out 8.4 batters per nine innings, which is a huge improvement from the 6.4 mark he posted in 2024.

Ryan would help Chicago as a front-of-the-rotation arm after it was announced in April that Justin Steele would miss the rest of the season due to an elbow injury. Shota Imanaga hitting the IL until June with a hamstring strain doesn’t help either, but the current staff has been able to piece things together for the time being. The current veterans that have shouldered the load will need help soon enough, which is where someone like Ryan would come into play.

It would take a lot for the Chicago Cubs to land Joe Ryan

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota Twins Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

If Minnesota is even in a position to move off players toward the end of the summer, Ryan will not come cheap. It’s worth noting that the right-hander has two more years of club control before hitting the open market, which will only drive up his price more. Chicago has the resources to facilitate a deal for someone of Ryan’s caliber, but it all depends on how much Jed Hoyer is willing to give up in certain trades. Ryan has spent his entire career with the Twins and will be seen as a big trade chip next to fellow starter Pablo Lopez at the deadline if they plan to sell.

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox May 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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