Joe Ryan is excited to pitch for Team USA.
Minnesota Twins star pitcher Joe Ryan is set to be part of a talented starting rotation for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Logan Webb are among the other starters on the roster. Ryan recently made an appearance on MLB Network and explained his decision to join the squad.
"When DeRo (Team USA manager Mark DeRosa) gave me the call, it was an easy yes," Ryan said.
The Twins' pitcher later told the story of how DeRosa first contacted him about the possibility of pitching in the WBC.
"When we were in New York playing the Yankees, he was in town," Ryan added. "He came over and was talking to us in the clubhouse for a little bit, and just asked me about it. Obviously, in season, just kind of thinking about it, it's like, 'Hey, let's see how it goes, see how I'm feeling.' And was feeling really good, and he gave me another call in November... Excited to be back out there."
Joe Ryan Set to Pitch for Team USA in WBC
Skubal and Skenes are arguably the best pitchers in baseball. Webb has been as consistent as any ace in the sport over the years. Ryan, though, should not be overlooked. He is one of the better hurlers in the game and is on track to make a significant impact with Team USA.
The 29-year-old earned the first All-Star selection of his career in 2025. He ended up finishing the '25 campaign with a career-best 3.42 ERA to go along with 194 strikeouts. Ryan's 171 innings and 31 total appearances also represented career-high marks.
He pitched more than he ever had in any other big league season, so one has to imagine there may have been some uncertainty when the idea of pitching in the WBC first surfaced. Pitching purely in spring training allows starters to slowly build up for the season while tossing stress-free innings. However, the WBC also serves as a way to build up for the season.
Sure, there will be more high-pressure innings, but the opportunity to represent your country in an exciting baseball tournament is something many players don't want to pass on. Joe Ryan is clearly excited for the chance to pitch in the WBC, and Twins fans will surely be paying close attention as their ace looks to help the team take home a tournament victory.