Twins’ Rebuild Could Open Door for Joe Ryan Trade to Yankees

The Minnesota Twins continued their roster overhaul over the summer and appear poised to extend the strategy into the offseason. Key trades included Carlos Correa to the Astros, Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader to the Phillies, Willi Castro to the Cubs, and Danny Coulombe to the Rangers. Notably absent from trade discussions so far are Joe Ryan and veteran outfielder Byron Buxton.

The Twins’ actions have sent a clear message to fans and the league: the focus is on long-term rebuilding rather than short-term competitiveness. While some core players remain, speculation is growing that the Twins could consider moving Ryan or Buxton to accelerate the rebuild.

Keeping Ryan and Buxton would likely result in another season near the bottom of the American League Central, with projected wins around 70–75. Trading them, however, could provide a haul of high-level prospects to position the franchise for sustained success in 2027 and beyond.

Ryan, in particular, holds significant trade value as a 29-year-old All-Star pitcher who performed at an elite level in 2025. This article focuses on the potential scenario of Ryan joining the Yankees.

1. Joe Ryan’s Performance and Value

Ryan delivered one of the best seasons of his career in 2025. Over 30 starts, he compiled a 13-10 record, striking out 194 batters and walking just 39, yielding a 5.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also posted a career-best 3.42 ERA over 171 innings pitched. At 29, Ryan is entering his prime, offering a combination of durability, consistency, and elite strikeout ability that makes him a highly valuable asset in the trade market. His All-Star pedigree further underscores his standing among MLB starting pitchers. For contending teams like the Yankees, Ryan represents a potential rotation anchor. He could slot comfortably into the No. 3 or No. 4 starter role, providing stability behind Gerrit Cole and Max Fried. The Twins, evaluating their competitive window, could leverage Ryan’s value to acquire multiple high-end prospects, accelerating the rebuild while addressing key positional needs.

2. Yankees Rotation Needs

The Yankees’ pitching staff could benefit from a reliable mid-rotation starter like Ryan. Gerrit Cole, returning from Tommy John surgery, is expected to reclaim his ace role early in the season, while Max Fried has already proven capable of filling a top rotation spot. Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Cam Schlittler occupy the remaining rotation slots, but each comes with uncertainty. Rodon, while effective in 2025, has a history of inconsistency and injury. Gil missed significant time last season due to a lat strain, and Schlittler, despite flashes of brilliance, remains unproven over a full season. Adding Ryan would provide manager Aaron Boone with a dependable option at No. 3, giving the Yankees a trio of starters they can count on with confidence. Ryan’s presence could also reduce pressure on the younger arms, allowing them to develop without being relied upon as top-end starters immediately. A deal for Ryan fits the Yankees’ approach of combining proven veterans with younger talent to maintain competitiveness in the American League East.

3. Potential Trade Considerations

Acquiring Ryan would come at a price. The Yankees may need to part with top prospects, including Spencer Jones, a highly regarded power-hitting outfielder capable of 30+ home runs at the major league level. Right-handed pitcher Carlos Lagrange could also be part of a package, providing the Twins with additional pitching depth. The inclusion of a mid-round draft pick, likely in the third or fourth round, could sweeten the deal for Minnesota. Combined, Jones, Lagrange, and a draft choice would offer the Twins a solid foundation for the next phase of their rebuild. For the Yankees, securing Ryan could be the difference between a rotation that is “good enough” and one that is playoff-caliber. His combination of experience, strikeout ability, and consistency would bolster the team immediately. The trade scenario illustrates how contending teams can balance short-term needs with the willingness of rebuilding franchises to convert established talent into long-term assets. A Ryan-for-prospects swap represents a logical move for both sides if the Twins choose to fully embrace their rebuild.