The Minnesota Twins face a significant decision at this year’s trade deadline regarding their ace pitcher Joe Ryan. Known for his youth, durability, and All-Star caliber talent, Ryan is a cornerstone for many mid-market teams to build around, especially with 2.5 years of team control remaining. While the Twins currently are not actively trying to trade him, the possibility exists that a contender may present an irresistible offer involving one of the top global prospects, prompting the front office to seriously evaluate a deal.
Leo De Vries: Padres’ Elite Shortstop Prospect
At just 18 years old, Leo De Vries ranks among the highest prospects in baseball, with placements at #3 on MLB Pipeline, #6 on Baseball America, and #13 by The Athletic. The switch-hitting shortstop, who was the top international signing in 2024, has already advanced to High-A ball. His profile features exceptional swing speed, strong exit velocities, speed on the bases, and a defensive skill set that suggests he will remain at shortstop for years to come. Scouts imagine his trajectory could lead him to become the number one prospect nationally within the next couple of seasons.
Securing De Vries would require a hefty trade package, but with Joe Ryan’s ability to anchor a playoff rotation and control through 2026, the Padres might be willing to consider such a move. San Diego’s general manager A.J. Preller has a history of making bold deadline acquisitions involving top prospects, as seen in past trades for stars like Juan Soto that included flipping elite prospects such as James Wood and CJ Abrams. With the NL West fiercely competitive and the Dodgers facing injury setbacks, this could be a prime moment for Preller to push aggressively.
Jesús Made: Versatile and Disciplined Brewer Infielder
Jesús Made, a switch-hitting infielder for the Milwaukee Brewers’ system, also challenges the Twins’ reluctance to trade Ryan. Baseball America ranks him #4 among prospects, with MLB Pipeline and The Athletic placing him at #7 and #5 respectively. Originally a breakout player in the Dominican Summer League where he posted a .331 batting average and combined six home runs with 28 steals, Made’s advanced plate discipline and strong underlying metrics stand out. While he may transition from shortstop to third base, projections see him as a potential elite bat and even a future number one overall prospect.
The Brewers’ current form is impressive, winning 13 of their last 15 games and holding the best record in the majors, supported by the top ERA in the National League. Adding Joe Ryan to their rotation could fortify a starting staff that is already formidable, making them a significant threat come playoff time.
Bryce Eldridge: Power-Hitting Outfielder Ready to Make an Impact
Bryce Eldridge, chosen 16th overall in the 2023 draft by the San Francisco Giants, is a 6-foot-7 slugger known for immense raw power. Ranked #17 by MLB Pipeline, #22 by Baseball America, and #28 by The Athletic, Eldridge quickly advanced from Single-A to Triple-A by age 19. His left-handed swing generates elite exit velocities, and many project him to hit between 35 and 45 home runs annually at the major league level. Although his defensive skills and glove work are considered average, his bat alone offers a high ceiling.
The Giants, currently competing in the playoff race with a 54-49 record, need rotation help behind starters Logan Webb and a rehabbing Robbie Ray, making Joe Ryan an attractive addition. San Francisco’s front office has demonstrated willingness to make aggressive moves, recently acquiring Rafael Devers in a major trade. This underlines their commitment to contend in 2025, making a Ryan trade conceivable if it fits their goals.
Josue De Paula: The Dodgers’ Polished Young Hitter
Josue De Paula, ranked within the top 25 in various outlets (#21 Baseball America, #22 MLB Pipeline, #17 The Athletic), blends youth, power, and excellent plate discipline. The 19-year-old left-handed hitter slashed .268/.404/.405 with 10 home runs across two Class A levels last season. He shows superb strike zone control and the capability to drive the ball to all fields, with scouts projecting him as a corner outfielder able to reach 30-plus home runs per season. His polish and potential make him an exceptionally valuable prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite losing 11 of their last 15 games and facing injuries in their pitching staff, the Dodgers maintain championship aspirations backed by the second-highest payroll in baseball. Pairing Joe Ryan with Yoshinobu Yamamoto could give the team an imposing top-end rotation and mitigate health concerns around stars Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow. The Dodgers have demonstrated a willingness to trade premier prospects like De Paula when conditions demand bold moves.
Evaluating the Possibility of Trading Joe Ryan
Joe Ryan’s combination of youth, reliability, and All-Star performance makes him an indispensable asset for the Twins. However, the presence of multiple world-class prospects such as Leo De Vries, Jesús Made, Bryce Eldridge, and Josue De Paula could force Minnesota’s front office to weigh the benefits of trading their ace if the return is extraordinary. Each potential trade contender faces unique competitive pressures, from playoff ambitions to roster construction challenges, that could drive them to pursue Ryan aggressively.
If the Twins decide to entertain trade offers involving these top 25 prospects, it would not only reshape Minnesota’s future but also affect the balance of power in MLB’s playoff races. Fans and analysts alike may soon witness a pivotal decision that defines the Twins’ competitive window for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Joe Ryan healthy?
A. Ryan couldn’t play the last two months of the 2024 season because of a shoulder injury. Now, in Fort Myers, he seems fit and healthy. His consistent performance on the mound is encouraging for the Twins, suggesting he’s getting back to his old self.
Q. What is Joe Ryan’s injury?
A. FORT MYERS, Fla. – On Thursday afternoon, the Twins pitchers started their Spring Training workout. Everyone watched right-hander Joe Ryan closely. He missed the last seven weeks of the 2024 season. His absence was due to a right shoulder strain from a game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 7.