Mets Explore Trade for Joe Ryan, Could Involve Jonah Tong

The New York Mets have been active this offseason as they look to address persistent rotation issues, but improving the staff may come at a cost. One of their top young pitchers, Jonah Tong, could be part of a trade package if the team aggressively pursues a proven starter.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets are targeting Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins, with the Twins reportedly expressing interest in Tong. The potential deal reflects the Mets’ willingness to balance youth development with immediate roster upgrades.

New York’s starting rotation struggled in 2025, as veterans Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, and Sean Manaea failed to provide consistent results. Ryan, a San Francisco native, could provide stability and quality innings, making him an attractive target for a team aiming to contend in 2026.

Ryan posted a 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA over 31 games last season. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 93rd percentile in Fastball Run Value and 87th percentile in walk rate, showcasing the metrics that make him a sought-after starter across the league.

1. Joe Ryan: Proven Performance

Joe Ryan has long been considered one of the American League’s most reliable pitchers. Despite the Twins finishing 70-92 in 2025, Ryan consistently provided quality starts, often keeping Minnesota competitive even in losing efforts. Fans and analysts frequently mentioned Ryan as a trade candidate ahead of the 2025 deadline, but the Twins opted to retain him for the full season. His combination of fastball effectiveness, control, and durability makes him a perfect fit for a Mets rotation that struggled with consistency. A player like Ryan brings not only performance but also experience. In Queens, he would likely slot into the Mets’ top-three rotation spots, offering a stabilizing presence that could alleviate pressure on younger pitchers while providing a reliable foundation for postseason contention. His advanced metrics and ability to limit walks and generate weak contact make Ryan an attractive addition for any team looking to solidify the back end of their rotation heading into a competitive 2026 season.

2. Jonah Tong: Young Talent on the Table

Jonah Tong is just 22 years old and made five starts for the Mets in 2025, pitching 18.2 innings with a 7.71 ERA. While the results were uneven, Tong showed flashes of talent that have intrigued scouts and the front office alike. Tong’s rapid rise through the minors accelerated his MLB debut, and while he struggled initially, the Mets see long-term potential in the right-hander. His development trajectory suggests he could become a key rotation piece in the near future. Including Tong in a trade package could make a deal for Ryan more attractive to Minnesota. The Twins would receive a young arm with upside, complementing their rebuilding or rotation depth plans while allowing the Mets to secure an immediate contributor. Whether the Mets are willing to part with Tong remains unclear. It will likely depend on how aggressively they pursue Ryan and whether they prioritize short-term rotation stability over long-term developmental projects.

3. Implications for the Mets

Acquiring Joe Ryan would represent a significant upgrade for the Mets’ rotation and signal a win-now approach in 2026. The team would gain a reliable starter capable of eating innings and competing against elite AL and NL lineups alike. Trading Tong, however, would come at a cost to the Mets’ young pitching depth. The team must weigh the benefits of a proven veteran against the potential future contributions of a high-upside rookie. Ultimately, the proposed transaction reflects the Mets’ broader strategy of combining analytics-driven evaluation with strategic risk-taking. Balancing immediate competitiveness with sustainable development will be key to determining the final trade structure. With the offseason underway and the Winter Meetings approaching, a deal for Joe Ryan could be a defining move for the Mets’ 2026 playoff aspirations.