Report: All-Star starting pitcher available at MLB trade deadline

The Minnesota Twins are reportedly open to dealing their best pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

The Twins are willing to listen to offers for ace Joe Ryan with the July 31 deadline approaching, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Wednesday. Top relief pitchers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax are also viewed as being available.

Rosenthal notes that the Twins’ front office will be particularly diligent about any potential trades with a sale of the team likely to be finalized in the near future.

Ryan is in his fifth MLB season and was just named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He is 10-4 with a 2.63 ERA in 20 appearances (19 starts). The right-hander has 132 strikeouts and just 23 walks in 116 1/3 innings.

Ryan is under team control for two more seasons, which should make him even more attractive to teams.

The Twins entered Wednesday with a record of 49-52. They got out to a decent start this season but have not been above .500 since June 15.

With Minnesota quickly fading from playoff contention, it makes sense to at least listen to offers at the deadline. The sale of the team could complicate things, however, as the next owner is unlikely to have the same payroll restrictions as the Pohlad family and may want to keep top players on the roster.