With Brandon Woodruff sidelined, the Milwaukee Brewers must bolster its rotation, and Joe Ryan is an intriguing option.
The Milwaukee Brewers have emerged as one of MLB’s best teams this season. Their roster has very few weaknesses. Even so, the front office should keep looking for ways to improve before the trade deadline.
Another quality starting pitcher could make an already dangerous team even stronger. Milwaukee has an impressive 58-33 record and they had the best offense in MLB during June.
Their pitching staff has been just as impressive. It continues to rank among the best in the National League.
The rotation has become one of Milwaukee’s biggest strengths. Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison have led the way. However, that picture changed when Brandon Woodruff returned to the Injured List with right shoulder inflammation.
His injury creates another need. It also gives the Brewers another reason to explore the trade market. Several names have been connected to Milwaukee. Tarik Skubal continues to be mentioned. So does Sonny Gray.
Another intriguing option is Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan, who would immediately strengthen the rotation. He owns a 2.85 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts in 104.1 innings over 19 starts this season.
His success did not begin this year. Ryan also enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season. He finished with a 3.42 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts in 171 innings across 31 appearances (30 starts).
Ryan is now in his sixth season with the Twins. He has established himself as one of the American League’s most reliable starters.
Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan from ESPN recently evaluated the top trade candidates in MLB. They gave Ryan a 55% chance of being traded before the deadline. That makes him one of the most realistic frontline starters who could become available.
Passan and McDaniel also highlighted just how dominant Ryan has been. Only Misiorowski, Paul Skenes, Jacob deGrom, and Cristopher Sánchez have posted a better K:BB this season.
They also made one point clear. Ryan is not simply a good starter. He is a legitimate frontline pitcher.
“Here are the pitchers with better K-BB% this year: Jacob Misiorowski, Paul Skenes, Jacob deGrom and Cristopher Sánchez. That’s it,” Passan and McDaniel wrote.
“Calling him a front-line starter is not just Minnesota Nice. It’s a reality, and contenders -- even ones with good rotations -- will be lining up the moment the Twins declare Ryan available.”
Ryan’s value
If the Twins make him available, contenders throughout MLB are expected to pursue him aggressively. The Brewers already have one of the National League’s best rotations. That should not stop them from improving it.
Contenders rarely pass on opportunities to add impact pitching. Ryan fits exactly what Milwaukee needs. He would provide another dependable arm for both the regular season and the postseason.
Ryan’s value goes beyond his production. He attacks hitters with confidence. He stays composed in difficult situations. He prepares as well as any veteran starter.
Coaches trust him because he makes adjustments from outing to outing. Teammates know what to expect every time he takes the mound. He also brings valuable experience to a clubhouse chasing a World Series.
His competitive approach matches the identity Milwaukee has built. Adding a pitcher with those qualities would strengthen the rotation and give the Brewers another proven starter capable of handling meaningful games during a postseason run.
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