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Three potential landing spots for Twins' Joe Ryan
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Three potential landing spots for Twins' Joe Ryan

By Vanessa Serrao  |  Last updated Jun 17, 2026 4:37 PM ET
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Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan has become one of the top highly sought-after aces on the trade market this season.

It's a move that wouldn't be of any shock, considering that Ryan is dominating with a 4.8% walk rate sitting in the 95th percentile and a 27.7 % strikeout rate ranking in the 84th percentile. ESPN's Jeff Passan identifies him as a hot trade candidate (55% odds), with just one year of control remaining on his contract.

Ryan has also demonstrated how he's performing like a true ace. He's held a 4-3 and 3.17 ERA with 92 strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP. In addition, his K/9 ranks 12th in MLB at 10.06, tied with Max Meyer

Ryan's strengths are his massive extension (6.9 feet) and good command of the fastball. Contenders are projected to offer the Twins premier talent in return for Ryan. Teammate Byron Buxton is also another highly coveted trade candidate who could also be playing on a new team in August. 

Ryan has also only allowed eight home runs and 16 walks and is a cost-effective trade option with good pitching value. 

St. Louis Cardinals 

Ryan provides frontline durability as a starter and postseason experience, which aligns perfectly with the Cardinals, who are contenders this season with a 40-31 record in the NL Central. 

Since Ryan isn’t a short-term rental and is under team control through 2027, he provides the Cardinals with a justifiable anchor for their rotation. 

Ryan's deep and deceptive arsenal, with his invisible fastball, makes him a reliable option on the market as he avoid walks and limits hard contact.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals' current rotation lacks reliable depth. Adding a pitcher like Ryan, who has upheld a respectable ERA in the sub-3.50 range and a career 3.72 ERA, will help.

This would ultimately provide the Nationals with a formidable anchor. The Nationals have one of the strongest farm systems in MLB, and providing them with a controllable ace for a pool of top-tier prospects would seal the deal. 

When it comes to Ryan, he throws a deceptive, high-extension fastball that has turned him into an ace, positioning him well in the NL East against division rivals. 

San Diego Padres

The Padres have two key arms spending time on the shelf: Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. Ryan is an All-Star-caliber arm who would instantly stabilize the top half of the Padres' rotation. 

Ryan is also a remarkably valuable asset this season because he is under control through 2027. He is also banking a feasible $6.1 million salary for the year. 

Padres GM A.J. Preller is also known for his eagerness to dip into the farm system in order to develop elite arms to provide the landscape for a playoff push boost. 

Vanessa Serrao
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Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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