Orioles Eye Twins’ Joe Ryan to Anchor Rotation in 2026

The Baltimore Orioles have been active in the offseason, making high-profile acquisitions and bolstering their roster with both established talent and promising young players. Yet despite their moves, the team still lacks a clear ace to lead a starting rotation that ranked 24th in ERA in 2025.

Shane Baz, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, is expected to play a key role, alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish. However, the Orioles’ pitching depth remains unproven, and the team knows that true contention requires a reliable number-one starter to carry the staff through high-pressure games.

On the offensive side, Baltimore has made bold additions, bringing in Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward to provide lineup depth, while Ryan Helsley is set to take over closing duties. These moves complement a roster featuring youthful talent capable of making an impact immediately.

Despite these upgrades, the lack of a top-tier starter could hinder Baltimore in critical playoff situations. To address that need, the Orioles are reportedly exploring a trade with the Minnesota Twins for right-hander Joe Ryan, a move that could give them the ace they’ve been seeking.

1. Joe Ryan: Minnesota’s All-Star Arm

Joe Ryan, a right-hander entering his prime, could be the missing piece atop Baltimore’s rotation. Named to his first All-Star Game in 2025, Ryan logged a career-high 31 starts, posting a 3.42 ERA and a 194/39 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Over five seasons with Minnesota, he has compiled a 3.79 ERA with 719 strikeouts across 148 walks, demonstrating consistent performance against major-league lineups. Ryan’s track record makes him a near-guarantee in high-leverage games, a quality Baltimore has lacked. The Orioles’ existing starters, while promising, have yet to demonstrate the ability to carry the team through must-win postseason contests. Ryan offers that reliability. The Twins, meanwhile, have emphasized that Ryan is not for sale, even amid a disappointing 70-92 season in 2025. Minnesota’s rebuild has made the pitcher a cornerstone for the future, meaning Baltimore would need to leverage a combination of prospects and roster pieces to make a compelling offer. Despite the Twins’ initial reluctance, analysts like Jeff Passan have estimated a 50 percent chance Ryan could be traded if the right package is presented. With Framber Valdez signing elsewhere, Baltimore’s urgency for an ace may increase the likelihood that Minnesota engages seriously in talks.

2. Orioles’ Pitching Needs and Strategy

Baltimore’s 2025 rotation ranked 24th in ERA at 4.65, highlighting the need for a difference-maker atop the staff. Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, and Kyle Bradish provide depth, but the absence of a proven ace leaves the team vulnerable in playoff scenarios. Adding Ryan would not only stabilize the rotation but also provide a clear leader in high-pressure moments, enhancing the team’s ability to compete in must-win situations. His presence could elevate the performance of the entire pitching staff and give the Orioles confidence heading into October. The Orioles’ front office has built a deep prospect pool, making them well-positioned to offer Minnesota an attractive trade package. By leveraging top minor-league talent and perhaps a few MLB-ready players, Baltimore could meet the Twins’ price while strengthening their own rotation for immediate contention. Ultimately, the strategy reflects Baltimore’s commitment to competing in 2026. While free-agent options for a marquee starter were limited, a trade for Ryan would give the Orioles the elite arm necessary to complement their burgeoning lineup and young roster core.

3. Timing and Trade Outlook

Securing Joe Ryan will require both financial resources and strategic negotiation. The Twins are cautious, aiming to maximize value for a player they see as a long-term cornerstone. For Baltimore, this means presenting a package that balances immediate impact with future potential. The timing may be advantageous for the Orioles. With spring training approaching and the rotation gap evident, Minnesota could be more receptive to offers, especially from a team capable of providing top-tier prospects. If successful, the trade would signal Baltimore’s seriousness about competing for a World Series berth. An ace like Ryan atop the rotation would immediately transform the team’s postseason outlook and provide the leadership necessary for October baseball. Even with aggressive roster additions on offense and bullpen improvements, Baltimore recognizes that a playoff run ultimately depends on starting pitching. Joe Ryan represents the type of high-impact acquisition that could change the trajectory of the 2026 season.