Joe

Ryan

It’s the best possible result that the Twins could have gotten from the exam and is very encouraging. The Twins have not yet announced a specific plan for how he’ll work through this, but it sounds like he should be available for Opening Day. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief for now.

Ryan was officially scratched with tightness in his lower back, and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports that Minnesota will provide an update on Ryan’s status Sunday. This all could be precautionary, but fantasy managers obviously need to play close attention to this situation.

It doesn’t sound like a serious concern. However, at this early junction in camp, the Twins weren’t going to take any risks with their staff ace, even if he experienced even minor discomfort while warming up — especially after losing Pablo López to Tommy John surgery earlier this week. Even minor back discomfort can linger if not managed properly, so this decision appears to be precautionary in nature. It’s unclear whether he’ll undergo further evaluation and testing to determine the severity of the issue. There should be additional updates on his status in the coming days.

Ryan will make $6.1 million this year and then get a $100,000 buyout of a $13 million mutual option for what will be his final year of arbitration in 2027. It’s a nice little win for Ryan, who had filed at $6.35 million. The Twins submitted a $5.85 million figure.

This jives with recent reporting from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, who suggested that the Red Sox could double down on pitching upgrades after losing out on Alex Bregman. We already know that the Red Sox have been linked to Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, and Cole Ragans since the offseason began. Bradford says that the names “floated as targets are no doubt” top-of-the-rotation arms. We’ll see if this amounts to anything.

Ryan joins Paul Skenes, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd as the currently known rotation options for Team USA. Griffin Jax, Garrett Whitlock and Garrett Cleavinger are expected to be a part of the bullpen.

That same source also says that top pitching prospect Connelly Early wasn’t part of the trade deadline offer for Ryan. The Twins would presumably want either Early or Payton Tolle as part of a Ryan deal. The Red Sox would still surely love to have Ryan, but they have plenty of starting pitching depth at the moment and seem to be more focused on their lineup.

The expectation was that the Twins would consider the fire sale that they started at the trade deadline, but it appears as though they’re content to hold onto their best assets as they look to reload rather than rebuild for the 2026 season. That could put more pressure on the teams in the market for starting pitching via free agency as now there’s a two fewer quality options available.

Breslow specifically said that he felt that it made no sense for the Red Sox to look to acquire a number four or five starter, but wanted to find somebody who “can pitch alongside [Garrett] Crochet” at the top of the rotation. Considering the Red Sox were close to trading for Joe Ryan at the deadline, you’d have to assume that he remains a major target for them this offseason. The power bat could be a free agent like Pete Alonso or perhaps a trade acquisition, but it seems that the Red Sox plan to be active this offseason.

Ryan struck out nine and walked one while allowing just one extra-base hit, a solo home run to Edmundo Sosa. The 29-year-old posted a 30 percent whiff rate and 30 percent CSW and will finish the season with a 3.47 ERA and 194/39 K/BB ratio in 171 innings. He was almost dealt at the trade deadline this season and will be a name to watch in trade rumors over the winter.