The Minnesota Twins were urged to trade All-Star Joe Ryan.
The Minnesota Twins are entering the 2026 season with uncertainty surrounding their pitching staff, and the loss of a key arm has only intensified those concerns. With ace Pablo Lopez expected to miss the year after he undergoes surgery, the organization must quickly reassess how it will structure its rotation and maintain competitiveness.
Much of that responsibility now shifts to starting pitcher Joe Ryan, who is expected to take on a significantly larger workload this year. Ryan has been a steady presence for Minnesota, and his 2025 numbers reflect that reliability as he made his first career All‑Star Game for the American League. He made 30 starts, posting a 3.42 ERA over 171 innings while recording 194 strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the team’s most dependable starters.
The broader outlook, however, remains complicated according to MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac. “I know it’s tough to kind of punch in the season. You want to be optimistic, but you’re 70 and 92. Now you’ve lost your ace… Joe Ryan… is going to have to shoulder a big workload,” Plesac said during an MLB Network appearance.
Plesac’s comments capture the challenge facing Minnesota. Losing Lopez removes not only production but also stability at the top of the rotation. A pitcher capable of consistently delivering quality innings provides structure to a staff, and without that presence, the pressure on the rest of the rotation increases significantly.
This situation also creates opportunities. Younger pitchers and depth options will likely receive chances to prove themselves throughout the season, particularly early on. While that can be beneficial for development, it also introduces volatility as inexperienced arms adjust to major‑league competition.
For Ryan, the significance is clear. He is no longer just a reliable piece of the rotation but a central figure in the team’s success. His ability to handle increased expectations, maintain consistency and provide innings will be critical in determining how competitive the Twins can be.
It also raises a different possibility: Minnesota could eventually explore trading Ryan. With Lopez out and the roster in transition, Ryan is one of the organization’s most valuable assets. If the Twins fall out of contention, his age, cost-controlled contract and performance could make him one of the best starters available at the deadline. A move like that would signal a deeper reset, but it would also allow Minnesota to replenish its system with multiple high‑end pieces.
The team’s outlook now hinges on internal growth and resilience. Without Lopez, the margin for error is smaller, and the path to contention becomes more challenging. Still, if Ryan can rise to the occasion and the supporting cast delivers, Minnesota may find a way to remain competitive despite the setback.
As spring training continues, the Twins are not just preparing for a season. They are redefining their identity on the fly, with Ryan at the center of that transition — whether as the anchor of the rotation or, depending on how the year unfolds, the franchise’s most valuable trade chip.