Twins unlikely to trade All-Star pitcher but teams are still interested

The Minnesota Twins have one of, if not the best starting pitcher who has been in trade rumors the last few weeks.

Unfortunately for suitors that have interest, All-Star Joe Ryan is unlikely to be traded according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan.

“Ryan is one of the best pitchers in baseball, with a mix of stuff and pitchability, and teams in search of long-term fits dream of the possibility the Twins will actually move him,” wrote McDaniel and Passan. “That is unlikely, but this is deadline season, so there is always the chance a team surveys the market, finds nothing to its liking and overpays.

“The Twins don't necessarily want to move Ryan; they are more in listening mode on nearly everyone that occupies a roster spot -- and with Ryan not a free agent until after the 2027 season, teams are trying, with little success thus far, to pry him away.”

ESPN says there is a 10 percent chance that Ryan is moved, and it makes sense why.

Ryan has been a stud and won’t be a free agent until 2028. The 29-year-old is 10-5 with a 2.82 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 21 appearances (20 starts).

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Though a trade is unlikely to commence, there are several teams looking to add a dominant starter with years of control.

The Chicago Cubs are going all-in due to the uncertainty surrounding Kyle Tucker. The Twins could get the Cubs to overpay if they are desperate enough (and they are).

The Boston Red Sox are another team that has interest in Ryan, and like the Cubs, have a deep prospect pool that can compete with any team.

Obviously, Minnesota doesn’t have to move him and probably won’t. But as a team on the outside looking in, why not listen to what teams are willing to offer?

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