As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Minnesota Twins find themselves at the center of intense trade talks involving pitcher Joe Ryan. According to Jim Bowden of MLB Network, five teams are repeatedly contacting the Twins with persistent interest not only in Ryan but also in several other key players, signaling a potential flurry of deals.

The clubs actively engaging in these ongoing discussions include the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Philadelphia Phillies. Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey is reportedly fielding calls from all five teams in what Bowden describes as “an annoying level” of inquiry.

Twins’ Bullpen and Key Position Players Draw Attention

Alongside Ryan, the pitching staff and certain position players have attracted significant trade interest. This group likely includes closer Jhoan Duran, right-handed pitchers Griffin Jax and Brock Stewart, and left-hander Danny Coulombe. While Stewart and Coulombe are nearing free agency, Duran, Jax, and Ryan remain under team control through arbitration until the 2027 season.

Outfielders Willi Castro and Harrison Bader are also reportedly key targets, with Castro attracting multiple suitors due to his versatility as a switch-hitter with defensive flexibility. ESPN reports add that the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Yankees are eyeing Bader, while the Houston Astros enter a potential bidding war for Castro.

Prospect Values and Trade Negotiation Dynamics

To acquire pitchers like Duran or Jax, Minnesota is believed to demand at least two top-100 prospects in return, highlighting the value placed on their bullpen arms. For Joe Ryan, the Twins are said to require an offer so compelling that they would feel “completely overwhelmed” to consider parting with their young pitcher.

When examining the prospect pools of the interested teams, Philadelphia leads with six top-100 prospects, including pitcher Andrew Painter ranked eighth overall. The Mariners boast eight top prospects, headlined by infielder Colt Emerson at 15th. The Yankees and Red Sox each hold three top-100 prospects, while the Blue Jays have two, potentially limiting their bidding power.

Implications for the Twins as Deadline Talks Escalate

With multiple contenders aggressively pursuing Joe Ryan and other Twins players, Minnesota may emerge as a central figure in the trade deadline narrative. The persistent calls and competitive bids signal mounting pressure on the organization to weigh their options carefully as the July 31 deadline nears.

This surge in trade activity could reshape the Twins’ roster and influence their strategy moving forward in the 2025 season, making the coming days critical for both the team and interested buyers.

“The #RedSox #Yankees #BlueJays #Phillies and #Mariners are speed dialing the #Twins at an annoying level with continued interest in Joe Ryan, basically their whole bullpen, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader. Twins could end up being the headliner at the deadline as talks heat up…” — Jim Bowden, MLB Network