Should the Twins 2025 All-Star Starting Pitcher Stay or Should He Go?
With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching on July 31st, one Minnesota man whose name is in the rumor mill most often is all-star pitcher Joe Ryan. The Boston Red Sox are front-runners to make a deal for the Twins' starter. They are in a buying mood at the deadline after winning 10 straight heading into the all-star break to sling shot themselves into a Wild Card position. The Sox want Ryan for pitching depth to make a real run at the World Series. Should the Twins pull the trigger, though?
The reasons for making a deal are readily apparent. Ryan just played in his first all-star game and is having the best season of his career. His value is at its all-time high, and making the trade now maximizes that value. The Twins are currently outside the playoff picture due to some key player injuries, so this trade doesn't jeopardize a great season. However, it would signal a surrender. Trading Ryan could bring Minnesota some players that fit the timeline of their younger players, such as Royce Lewis, Simeon Woods Richardson, and David Festa.
If Ryan does get moved, he could be just the first domino to fall. While Byron Buxton has a no-trade clause, top relievers like Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán could also be on the move. Jax has already garnered calls from teams like the Phillies, and a 30-year-old eighth-inning reliever wouldn't make sense for the Twins if they do end up trading Ryan. Which begs the question: if Minnesota makes one move, should that trigger a yard sale of top talent? Durán has been excellent as the Twins closer for a few season but if they aren't willing to go in and try to win while he's at the top of his game should they capitalize and fill their farm system to the brim with young talent? Where does a trade leave a guy like Carlos Correa?
A Joe Ryan trade, whether it happens or not, will send ripples throughout the Minnesota Twins organization. It is the tipping point on whether the team will push forward with the group they have or turn the keys over to the next group. Deadlines like these are what make or break a general manager's career. They are also what makes a trade deadline so much fun. To add more to the drama, Minnesota will host Boston from July 28th to the 30th in the final series before the deadline.
