As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Minnesota Twins have indicated they are open to negotiations involving ace pitcher Joe Ryan, creating buzz around potential Joe Ryan trade rumors Twins fans and MLB followers are watching closely. Though no deals have materialized yet, the Twins’ readiness to engage in talks reflects their strategic considerations as the deadline nears this July 2025.
Joe Ryan, 29, is having an outstanding season for the Twins, boasting a 2.63 ERA and impressive strikeout and walk rates through 116.1 innings pitched. His recent start against the Colorado Rockies featured seven innings with just one run allowed, 11 strikeouts, and zero walks. This performance underscores Ryan’s value as a top-tier starter in the league.
Importantly, Ryan remains under contractual control through 2026 and 2027, enhancing his appeal to teams like the Chicago Cubs, who are reportedly seeking significant upgrades to their rotation. However, the Twins are expected to demand a considerable return for Ryan, including multiple high-level prospects.
Jon Heyman reported:
“As of today, the Twins are now seriously listening on their rental players, including Coulombe, Bader and Castro. While they will listen on All-Star starter Joe Ryan and star closer Jhoan Duran they’d have to be blown away, especially for Ryan.” — Jon Heyman, MLB Insider
Ken Rosenthal also confirmed the Twins’ openness to discussing extensions in both their starting rotation and bullpen:
“The disappointing Minnesota Twins are open to discussing ace right-hander Joe Ryan as well as their top relievers, righties Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax.” — Ken Rosenthal, MLB Reporter
Despite interest, the cost remains a major hurdle. As Jeff Passan notes, the Twins are reportedly seeking at least two top-100 prospects for either Duran or Jax alone, suggesting an even steeper price for Ryan. This high asking price could make acquiring Ryan prohibitively expensive for the Cubs, even in a competitive, win-now window.
Potential Matchups: Cubs and Pirates Players in Trade Discussions
While the Twins’ demands for Joe Ryan may be daunting, the Cubs could find more balanced trade opportunities with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates, eager to improve their offense, appear willing to part with several players except for top prospect Paul Skenes.
The Cubs have several promising offensive prospects performing well at Triple-A who might be leveraged in a deal for Pirates pitchers Mitch Keller and David Bednar. These prospects include Jonathan Long (.317 average, 14 home runs), Moises Ballesteros (.339 average, 8 home runs), Kevin Alcantara (.267 average, 11 home runs), and Owen Caissie (.269 average, 19 home runs).
Mitch Keller’s value has increased over the past several starts, as he sports a 2.59 ERA while averaging over six innings per outing. However, Keller’s sizable five-year, $77 million contract complicates potential trade considerations, as the Cubs would commit to a significant financial obligation through 2028.
David Bednar offers a strong relief option, rebounding from a challenging 2024 with a 2.31 ERA and excellent strikeout-to-walk ratios. Bednar is under team control for the 2026 season, adding to his appeal as a high-leverage bullpen piece.
A trade involving both Bednar and Keller could yield substantial returns for the Cubs, balancing proven major league experience with financial considerations. This package could provide the most value despite the presence of other consistent arms available around the league.
Other MLB Trade Rumors Intensify as Deadline Approaches
In addition to the Twins and Pirates, numerous other MLB teams are maneuvering ahead of the deadline. The San Diego Padres, for example, may emerge as surprise sellers despite mixed expectations.
Jeff Passan notes that inquiries about Padres pitcher Dylan Cease have not been outright rejected, but Robert Suarez, currently leading the league in saves, is believed to be the more likely trade candidate, signaling the Padres’ complex buy-sell approach.
Jon Heyman reports on the Cleveland Guardians’ openness to offers for outfielder Steven Kwan and their relief pitchers:
“Many teams are calling about All-Star LF Steven Kwan, but while the Guardians are listening on him (and their relief stars Clasé and Smith), understandably it would have to be quite a compelling offer. Cleveland also has a favorable closing schedule.” — Jon Heyman, MLB Insider
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are facing rotation decisions, with Michael McGreevy earning starts as trade talks continue. Derrick Goold highlights a pressing need for the Cardinals to resolve Erick Fedde’s role to improve their chances of gaining wins:
“#stlcards were already discussing alterations to the rotation with Michael McGreevy earning starts and trade talks potentially leading to other moves. They can no longer delay what to do with Erick Fedde. Needing wins, he gave them a deficit.” — Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Implications of Trade Talks for Twins, Cubs, and MLB Landscape
The willingness of the Twins to engage on Joe Ryan trade rumors Twins and MLB observers are closely monitoring could signal a shift in the team‘s long-term strategy, especially given Ryan’s control beyond this season. For the Cubs, the challenge remains finding a balance between upgrading their rotation and managing the substantial prospect or financial cost such moves would require.
Meanwhile, the potential deals involving players like Mitch Keller and David Bednar present actionable opportunities for teams like the Cubs looking for immediate impact with manageable commitments. The dynamic marketplace leading up to the MLB deadline also underscores how teams are weighing their postseason chances against future competitiveness.
As trade talks progress, expect heightened activity around these key players and teams, with the Cubs in particular likely to be cautious in meeting the steep prices set by trade partners, especially the Twins. The next few days should reveal whether the Twins’ openness to trading Joe Ryan becomes a defining move ahead of the league’s deadline.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Joe Ryan healthy?
A. Ryan had to sit out the last two months of the 2024 season because of a shoulder strain in his throwing arm. Now in Fort Myers, he seems fit and in good shape. His consistent pitching suggests he might be getting back to his old self, which is encouraging for the Twins.
Q. Is Joe Ryan an ace?
A. On Sunday afternoon, Joe Ryan, leading pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, struck out 11 players in seven innings, helping his team defeat the Colorado Rockies 7-1. Ryan, gaining attention as a potential trade target, now holds a 10-4 record with a 2.63 ERA. While it seems the Twins aren’t eager to trade him, other teams will likely inquire about his availability.
Q. How did the twins get Joe Ryan?
A. Minnesota got him from Tampa Bay in a trade for Nelson Cruz. They helped him improve to become an All-Star pitcher. He now has a career-best 2.72 ERA and a 3.20 FIP with 121 strikeouts and 23 walks over 109 1/3 innings this season.