Why Twins Should Extend Joe Ryan

Joe Ryan continues to prove his case for a long-term extension with the Minnesota Twins, having yet another strong season in which he compiled a solid 3.79 ERA and 1.16 WHIP while striking out 159 batters in 144.2 innings pitched.

Among Ryan's highlights this season was him making his second-straight MLB All-Star Game appearance in which he recorded two strikeouts during his lone inning of action, helping the American League secure a 4-0 shutout win.

While Ryan was sidelined with a left glute strain for just over a month during the second half of the season, he ended the season on a high note with eight punchouts against the Texas Rangers last Friday as the Twins came out with a 10-2 victory.

His late-season resurgence came following his worst outing to date against the Cleveland Guardians on July 20 in which he gave up a career-high 10 hits and eight earned runs including six homers to hand Minnesota a 13-4 blowout loss.

He would also suffer back-to-back losses to the Kansas City Royals, but that hasn't stopped the right-hander from working to find his groove on the mound again.

Ryan's efforts were evident during his first game back from injury on Sept. 7 when he fanned seven batters in four innings of action against the division rival Detroit Tigers.

"Not even close -- I felt way better," Ryan said, according to MLB.com. "I think just a couple of pitches I could have executed a little differently, maybe thrown a different pitch and gotten the hitter a little bit better, but [catcher Ryan] Jeffers did a great job behind the plate and had some good challenges. Really good game calling. We communicated well and made adjustments through the game and finished strong."     

After owner Tom Pohlad recently issued a statement that promised a payroll increase for next season, extending Joe Ryan is the right move for Minnesota not only because of his current performance but also the veteran presence he brings in a rotation full of younger arms like 25-year-old standout Taj Bradley and Zebby Matthews.

Furthermore, in the event Minnesota were to have another rough start next season, Ryan could continue to be a highly sought-after trade piece at the deadline by a contender in need of more starting pitching.

Not extending Ryan would mean that the Twins could lose him for nothing should he leave for another team in free agency when his contract runs out in 2028.

With that, general manager Jeremy Zoll and the rest of Minnesota's front office must act soon.