Dodgers Eye Joe Ryan to Strengthen Rotation for 2026 Title Run

As the 2025 season concludes, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain a powerhouse, boasting one of baseball’s most formidable lineups. Yet even a star-studded roster requires balance, and the starting rotation—while talented—faces durability questions heading into 2026. Securing a reliable mid-rotation arm has become a top priority.

Joe Ryan, the Minnesota Twins’ 29-year-old right-hander, emerges as an ideal target. With his combination of strikeout ability, control, and innings-eating consistency, Ryan offers a solution for a Dodgers staff that relies on both dominance and depth.

Minnesota’s reported intent to reduce payroll and retool under budgetary constraints makes Ryan a plausible trade candidate. His arbitration salary is rising, and the Twins could convert two years of cost-controlled talent into a trio of high-upside players who are MLB-ready.

For Los Angeles, acquiring Ryan provides stability while leveraging their surplus of position player talent. The Dodgers could bridge the gap between current rotation health concerns and the ongoing pursuit of a third straight World Series title.

1. Joe Ryan’s Value to the Dodgers

Ryan’s track record demonstrates durability and efficiency. Over recent seasons, he has emerged as one of the American League’s most dependable starters, using a deceptive fastball to limit baserunners and manage contact effectively. He offers the Dodgers a mid-rotation workhorse capable of eating innings while providing strikeout upside. With ace-level pitchers prone to injuries, Ryan functions as more than depth; he is a stabilizing presence for the staff. Ryan’s fly-ball tendencies, which can be risky in hitter-friendly parks, are mitigated by Dodger Stadium’s elite outfield defense and the marine layer that suppresses power in early and late season games. This environment maximizes his effectiveness while minimizing home-run risk. Financially, Ryan’s arbitration salary of roughly $6 million is a bargain for a number three starter of his caliber, giving the Dodgers flexibility to invest in bullpen depth or bench reinforcements without jeopardizing luxury tax considerations.

2. Proposed Trade Package

The suggested trade package includes C/OF Dalton Rushing, LHP Justin Wrobleski, and SS/3B Alex Freeland heading to Minnesota in exchange for Ryan. Rushing, the Dodgers’ top catching prospect, provides the Twins with a pre-arbitration bat capable of slotting into the lineup immediately. Freeland offers positional versatility, able to cover both shortstop and third base, while Wrobleski adds a left-handed pitching option ready for major-league duty. Together, these three players deliver immediate, cost-controlled value that aligns with Minnesota’s financial and competitive objectives. This package allows the Twins to convert a rising arbitration cost into multiple controllable assets, extending their competitive window while maintaining payroll flexibility. The trade emphasizes quality and upside over quantity, giving Minnesota tangible, long-term contributors. The Dodgers retain their positional depth while addressing rotation concerns, demonstrating a strategic use of surplus talent to solve an urgent roster need without compromising the future.

3. Strategic Implications for Both Teams

For Los Angeles, Ryan provides a bridge between the aces and younger arms, ensuring the rotation can withstand injuries and heavy innings during a championship run. Paired with their elite offense, his presence strengthens the Dodgers’ push for a third straight World Series. Minnesota benefits by acquiring three major-league-ready prospects while reducing salary obligations, turning a depreciating asset into controllable talent. The trade allows the Twins to remain competitive in the AL Central while positioning the organization for sustainable growth. The deal aligns with each team’s objectives: the Dodgers enhance durability and stability for an immediate title pursuit, while the Twins infuse young talent into a retooled roster without exceeding budget constraints. Ultimately, a Ryan acquisition represents a low-risk, high-reward move for Los Angeles and a pragmatic, forward-looking strategy for Minnesota, satisfying both competitive and financial imperatives.