Minnesota Twins star Joe Ryan is one of MLB's best pitchers. Some may even argue that Ryan is a top 50 player in the league right now. However, MLB Network ranked the Twins' ace at No. 73 overall on their top 100 list.

Is the ranking too low? Could it be too high? Is No. 73 overall the correct placement for Ryan?

Ryan has been quite consistent over the past few seasons, aside from 2023. In 2022, 2024 and 2025, Ryan recorded ERAs between the marks of 3.42 and 3.60. His 2023 performance was an outlier -- he had a lackluster 4.51 ERA -- but the Twins hurler has been reliable for the most part. 

Ryan took a step forward in 2025. His 3.42 ERA, 31 appearances (30 starts) and 171 innings pitched all represented career-best marks. Meanwhile, he recorded the second most strikeouts of his MLB career with 194.

Overall, Ryan was 15th in strikeouts in all of baseball in 2025. His 1.04 WHIP was ninth. Ryan also limited opposing hitters to a .218 batting average, which was the 13th best mark in the sport.

There is no doubt that Joe Ryan enjoyed a terrific '25 campaign. Could there be some decline in 2026? It is not out of the question. However, that certainly should not impact these rankings. 

It is surprising to see Ryan ranked No. 73 on the list. He trails players such as Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Busch and Yandy Diaz. 

Ryan could gain a motivational boost from the questionable MLB Network ranking. One has to imagine he feels should be higher on the list. 

Ryan is currently preparing to pitch in the World Baseball Classic. That will be his focus for the next few months, with the tournament set to begin in March. Ryan is part of an electric Team USA starting rotation that also features Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Logan Webb. 

The fact of the matter is Team USA has some of the best pitchers in all of baseball on the roster. Ryan may not be at Skubal and Skenes' level, but he is not too far behind. There is a reason Team USA manager Mark DeRosa wanted Ryan to join the star-studded rotation after all.

It will be interesting to see if Joe Ryan can use the MLB Network ranking as extra motivation in both the WBC and 2026 MLB season.