Joe Ryan named a sought-after trade candidate who should be dealt by Twins this year

The Minnesota Twins are, once again, likely headed towards a fire-sale at the MLB trade deadline this season.

But this year might be a bit different from last year. Instead of volume, this year might see the Twins part with two of their top players in Byron Buxton and/or Joe Ryan.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic named Ryan as a pitcher who could wind up as a sought-after trade candidate. That's not a surprise for the All-Star pitcher.

"... the 29-year-old should be one of the more sought-after trade targets this summer," Bowden writes. "... A lot of teams will be monitoring his health status closely the next few weeks."

The Twins are once again expected to receive plenty of interest in Ryan this year, as Bowden notes that teams are keeping a close eye on his medicals. And those medicals are the exact reason why the Twins should trade Ryan now instead of waiting.

Why Twins should trade Joe Ryan now

Minnesota is a seller this year, and moving on from Ryan is very possible for this team. But, there's a chance they hold onto him for another year.

He is under club control through the 2027 season, so the Twins do have an extra year of control with the All-Star righty.

However, they really should look to move on from him this season. Assuming he's healthy enough to come this August 3rd for the trade deadline, the Twins should move on from Ryan for a huge return.

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Bowden notes that he's sure to draw interest this year at the trade deadline, and with just a year and a half of club control left, the Twins should part with Ryan as soon as possible.

With the risk of injury real, as seen with his current ailment, the Twins should look to trade Ryan ASAP to ensure they get something back for the starting pitcher who is very likely to depart in free agency after 2027.

The Twins won't get a better deal for Ryan than they could right now, assuming he's healthy. He's under control for one more season, so an acquiring team would be more willing to give up premium prospects for Ryan.

With starting pitchers constantly the hottest commodity at trade deadlines, the Twins could land a strong return for Ryan. If Ryan is really sought-after, then the Twins should trade him away now for a haul while they still can.

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