Could the Twins Trade Joe Ryan? 6 Suitors to Watch if Minnesota Sells High on Their Ace

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins are clinging to the fringe of contention in a tight American League playoff race. Still, their front office may soon face a franchise-defining question: Do they trade their top starting pitcher while his value is at its absolute peak?

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi floated the idea this week that the Boston Red Sox and "a number of teams" are keeping tabs on Joe Ryan as the deadline approaches. Now, Morosi's comment leaned speculative, but when a name like Ryan enters the rumor mill, it’s enough to raise eyebrows—and for good reason.

Ryan has been one of the best starting pitchers in the American League this year. Through 18 starts, he's compiled a sparkling 2.76 ERA and a minuscule 0.89 WHIP. He’s fanned 116 batters while issuing just 21 walks in 104 1/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .193/.254/.335 against him. His 3.9 rWAR leads all Twins (0.6 rWAR higher than Byron Buxton) and ranks among the top pitchers in baseball. And somehow, he was snubbed from the initial All-Star Game selections, which was thankfully rectified on Wednesday. 

Ryan is succeeding because he’s evolving. His release point remains one of the most deceptive in baseball, with hitters struggling to pick up a four-seamer that plays up despite modest velocity (93.4 mph in 2025). His four-seamer is one of baseball’s most valuable pitches. He’s mixed in a sweeper with bite (.262 xSLG), sharpened his splitter (.212 BA), and continues to keep left-handed hitters in check (.633 OPS). He’s an entirely different pitcher from the fastball-heavy prospect the Twins originally acquired at the 2021 trade deadline.

At 29 years old, Ryan is under team control for two more years after 2025, and his profile (with a deep arsenal, elite command, and deceptive delivery) makes him an incredibly appealing trade chip. If the Twins are willing to entertain offers, contenders should be lining up. Here’s a look at six potential suitors who could make a big push for Ryan, and why he’d be worth the price.

Boston Red Sox: The Center of the Speculation
Morosi mentioned the Red Sox by name, even floating the idea of a Joe Ryan-for-Jarren Duran framework. This is something discussed earlier this week at Twins Daily. Duran, an All-Star in 2024, has been a fixture atop Boston’s lineup, leading the league in plate appearances while playing nearly every game for two years running. For the Twins, who’ve struggled to get production from their best players, Duran’s consistency and athleticism would be a significant boost.

Boston just dealt Rafael Devers, suggesting they’re open to retooling but not tearing down. Ryan would instantly help the top of their rotation, providing some much-needed rotation stability in 2025 and beyond. It’s hard to gauge if they’d honestly part with Duran, but if they’re serious about pitching, Ryan has been a borderline All-Star for multiple seasons.

Chicago Cubs: Rotation Needs and Prospect Capital
The Cubs’ rotation has been impacted by injuries, with Justin Steele being the most significant subtraction. He underwent season-ending UCL surgery on April 18. Also missing from the rotation is Jameson Taillon, who has a right calf strain. Chicago is surprising many at the top of the NL Central and could benefit from adding a frontline starter who isn’t a rental.

They also have the prospect capital to make it happen, and some reports have them willing to go “all-in.” There is some speculation that they would be willing to trade top prospects Owen Caissie or Kevin Alcántara if that lands them the right pitchers. The Cubs are well-positioned to make an October run, and Ryan could headline their staff for multiple seasons. 

Houston Astros: Preparing for a Post-Valdez Rotation
The Astros are in an awkward spot: still competitive and still dangerous, but clearly no longer the juggernaut they once were. However, they have jumped ahead in the AL West and are looking to keep their winning window open as long as possible. Framber Valdez is set to hit free agency this winter, and Cristian Javier is out until later this year with Tommy John surgery. The Astros are always looking to upgrade, and Ryan could take Valdez’s rotation spot in 2026. 

Ryan could be the perfect plug-and-play answer. He fits their mold of high-efficiency strike-throwers and would give them a cost-controlled, playoff-caliber starter to go with Hunter Brown and Valdez. The Astros have thinned out their system, but outfielder Jacob Melton and catcher Walker Janek are intriguing pieces who could headline a deal.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Never Count Them Out
If there’s a big name available, assume the Dodgers are interested, especially when it comes to starting pitching. Ryan fits like a glove in Los Angeles, as he is analytically inclined, strikes out hitters with command and deception, and brings a bulldog mentality to the mound. He’s also a California boy, so that adds to the intrigue. The Dodgers have the ability to overwhelm with prospect depth and would likely be willing to include one of their top prospects in the right deal.

Could the Twins pry away someone like Josue De Paula or Zyhir Hope? Perhaps a long-term pitching solution like Jackson Ferris? Ryan wouldn’t just be a short-term fix for LA’s rotation, as he’d be a foundational piece alongside Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani.

New York Mets: Pitching-Starved and Prospect-Rich
The Mets are aggressive. They’ve already shown a willingness to be aggressive with trades and free agency, and Steve Cohen’s deep pockets mean there’s never really a full rebuild. Currently, the Mets have five starting pitchers on the injured list, including Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, Kodai Senga, and Sean Manaea. New York has a clear need for a starter with top-of-the-line stuff.

Ryan would give them a weapon in the NL East arms race and fits their desire to acquire players under control beyond 2025. Minnesota could target infielder/outfielder Jett Williams, right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong, or even explore a deal built around outfielder Carson Benge. Cohen wants his teams to make long playoff runs, and Ryan can help make that happen for the Mets. 

New York Yankees: Reinforcements Needed Now
Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil are all out, and the Yankees have played poorly in recent weeks. This isn’t the powerhouse Yankees of old, but they are still likely to be one of baseball’s most active teams at the deadline. If New York wants to return to the World Series, it needs rotational upgrades as soon as possible. 

Ryan would not only deepen the Yankees’ rotation for October, but also give them an option beyond this season. Could the Twins aim high and ask for infielder George Lombard Jr. or outfielder Spencer Jones? The Yankees have pitching prospects like right-handers Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham, if Minnesota wants to continue building depth on the mound.

Would the Twins Actually Do It?
It’s a fair question, and one that’s likely being debated internally. Trading Ryan wouldn’t be a white flag on the season, but it would be a bold move for a team still chasing a playoff berth. The return would need to be substantial. Think multiple top-100 prospects, or a cost-controlled MLB regular and a high-ceiling arm.

But if there’s a time to trade Ryan, it’s now. He’s pitching like a frontline ace, he’s healthy, and he has team-friendly control. If the Twins believe they can build a more sustainable winner by flipping him for long-term pieces, this deadline could turn into a franchise pivot point.

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What do you think, Twins fans? Would you trade Joe Ryan, if it meant getting a star outfielder like Jarren Duran or multiple top prospects? Or is Ryan too valuable to let go? Drop your thoughts below and let the deadline debate begin.

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[JDubs]

I disagree with the idea that trading Ryan wouldn't be waving the white flag. He's pretty much the only good pitcher on the roster right now; other than maybe Paddack, the Twins are basically sending out a prayer every other 4 days. Will there be any fans of the team left if they follow the first playoff series win in forever with not only not adding any good players but instead starting a tear down?

[Riverbrian]

If the Twins trade Joe Ryan. Don't stop there... sell everyone. Then kindly exit your office, shut the lights off and don't return. 

This front office is not the front office that should be in charge of handling an influx of youth. 

[dxpavelka]

NO

[Sjoski]

In the Falvey era only two trades come to mind that worked out in our favor, 

The Cruz/ Ryan deal, and I forget the other.

So, I frankly don't trust Falvey. He's more likely to reverse engineer the best trade he ever made. Whatever his process is, I don't trust it. 

 

[SarasotaBill]

You try to acquire a pitcher like Ryan. You don't trade them.

[CRF]

Ryan has had a good season so far, and I'd really hesitate to trade him. I doubt very much we'd get a "franchise altering" return for him, if he's traded, and I SURE don't trust this F.O. to do anything that benefits us anyway. Keep Ryan. 

[tony&rodney]

Trade Joe Ryan? That totally depends on the return. The heavy pile of prospects type of deal would indeed signal a complete rebuild. I'm looking at the organization and wondering what return is needed to plug holes. Nick Kurtz for Joe Ryan would solve first base. Jackson Holliday would be a good second baseman to roster. Cam Smith and a couple of others from Houston might be reasonable. The Dodgers? I want all of Dalton Rushing, Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan, and Zyhir Hope. I don't think Duran is enough. The Cubs, Mets, Yankees, or some others lack the right pieces.

I don't expect the Twins to trade Joe Ryan unless the return is far better than some of the prospects named in the article. No player is untouchable but if a team wants a playoff Game 1/7 starter, pay the price.

[DJL44]

How many playoff teams have three top 100 prospects to start the bidding?

[arby58]

25 minutes ago, Sjoski said:

In the Falvey era only two trades come to mind that worked out in our favor, 

The Cruz/ Ryan deal, and I forget the other.

So, I frankly don't trust Falvey. He's more likely to reverse engineer the best trade he ever made. Whatever his process is, I don't trust it. 

 

I'd say that Escobar for Duran also worked out well for the Twins, and, according to WAR, so did Lopez (7.4 the last three years) for Arraez (6.1).

[TopGunn#22]

I'm not in favor of trading Joe Ryan.  But I agree with tony&rodney, it all depends on what the return is.  A pitcher like Ryan, with his stock as high as it's ever been right now, would have the potential to bring a "franchise altering haul" in talent back.  The key word there is "potential."  Do we trust the current FO to make a good trade?  That's another very interesting topic.

A team like the Dodgers could probably overwhelm any offer from other teams.  The players that    tony&rodney listed from the Dodgers would have the potential to make a tremendously positive impact on the Twins roster.  Remember, the Seattle Mariners moved on from Ken Griffey Jr. Randy Johnson and A-Rod in the span of 2 seasons, and then set an American League record with 116 wins.

I've always liked Jarren Duran, but he alone one-for-for wouldn't be enough for Joe Ryan.  

I believe that Ryan and Lopez are the foundation for a very good #1 & #2 atop the Twins rotation.  But if you have any doubts the Twins will pony up the kind of money to re-sign Ryan before he gets to test free agency, then you have to be willing to at least consider what you could get back with him at peak value.  

[JD-TWINS]

The FO isn’t considering trading an All-Star pitcher, in his prime, & affordable for 2 more years…….not considering!

Trading for Top 100 prospects is gambling - period. It’s not a win……it’s hoping & projecting 2-3 years out for results. Can’t do that with Lopez - CC - Buxton in their primes and signed for 3-5 more years (getting $68M combined) ……….gotta spend up to $160M on payroll and win now (‘25 - ‘28).

[MinnInPa]

isnt Lopez due back soon ..and Ober?? If..the Twins get it back to .500 quickly ..i say no trade

[tony&rodney]

7 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

The FO isn’t considering trading an All-Star pitcher, in his prime, & affordable for 2 more years…….not considering!

Trading for Top 100 prospects is gambling - period. It’s not a win……it’s hoping & projecting 2-3 years out for results. Can’t do that with Lopez - CC - Buxton in their primes and signed for 3-5 more years (getting $68M combined) ……….gotta spend up to $160M on payroll and win now (‘25 - ‘28).

The offers would need to come to our front office.

Agree that conversations around prospects are not very conducive to 2025 or 2026, which is why I mention players like Kurtz and Holliday, players not likely available. I do think the Dodgers can potentially be persuasive. 

I'm in favor of keeping Ryan, but I'm also listening to all offers.

[Whitey333]

Common sense says to start tearing it down.  But they need a different voice(s) leading them.  It seems that all these great prospects are regressing.  Twins are getting a reputation of hurting their own player development.  Falvey, Baldelli, and probably Saints manager Gardenhire need to go.  Trade Ryan?  I don't think they will do much of anything significant at the trade deadline.  Keep Ryan.  

[Trov]

I doubt they do it this year, unless they 1 are fully set on selling at deadline, and 2 the deal is just too good to pass up.  Because he has 2 years of control we can still move him in off-season or next year sometime if we feel the right deal comes along, assuming he is not willing to sign with us.  My guess he will not sign with us, because he will be 31 at FA, and he will want that 1 big deal like 5 years and we will not do that, but a big market team will. 

[JD-TWINS]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

The offers would need to come to our front office.

Agree that conversations around prospects are not very conducive to 2025 or 2026, which is why I mention players like Kurtz and Holliday, players not likely available. I do think the Dodgers can potentially be persuasive. 

I'm in favor of keeping Ryan, but I'm also listening to all offers.

Not likely available is the reality.

Holliday is nearly an All-star ……. hitting .300 plus for last 20 games & he’s 20. Maybe the most highly touted guy in Baltimore in my memory……..they marketed him harder than Rutschman & Henderson. They won’t consider trading him for at least 5 years…. he’s successful at 20.

Not trying to be negative but if A’s trade Kurtz at this point the GM would be lynched in Sacramento. Can’t trade huge upside, controllable, every day bats………similar to Twins trading Lewis in mid ‘23.

I guess my point is that no organization is going to trade a high end every day performer for a pitcher that makes a potential difference over 6 innings - 32 times per year. To me, high-end pitchers are developed internally or signed as FA’s. Don’t see good bats traded for established arms……..maybe if Holiday or Kurtz weren’t yet in the Show and there was uncertainty hanging on to them? …….as you know, these two are on their way.

[arby58]

36 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

How many playoff teams have three top 100 prospects to start the bidding?

The team that is loaded at the top of the Top 100 prospects (using MLB.com) is, in fact, Boston. They have Roman Anthony ranked #1 and Marcelo Mayer #6 as well as numbers 40 and 100. I don't think Ryan for Duran is a trade the Twins would make. According to the Trade Simulator, Ryan has a surplus value of 70.1 vs. Duran's 40.8. Ryan is also working on a WAR this year of 3.8 versus Duran's 2.2. Starting pitching is at a premium - there would have to be more to this trade.

The player who aligns better, trade simulator-wise is outfielder Roman Anthony, the #1 prospect. His surplus according to the Trade Simulator is 70.7. He is now up with the Red Sox and actually has a slightly better OPS than Duran. I doubt you could get both Anthony and #6 prospect Mayer, as Mayer has a projected trade surplus of 54.8. Maybe they'd throw in Arias (a 2B/SS ranked #40 at the A+ level) who has a trade surplus of 22.1, given he is at least a couple years away. The problem here is Anthony is another left handed batter, not exactly the Twins need at the moment.

A team that might match up, prospect-wise, is Philadelphia. Looking at what the Twins might need, they could offer back the #10 prospect, Andrew Painter, a RHP at AAA. He fits the Twins profile of a tall (6'7") pitcher ala Bailey Ober, and has a projected trade surplus of 49.4. They also have the #22 prospect, SS (sort of a need position for the Twins) Aidan Miller, who is at AA and has a projected surplus of 33.7. If they would give up both of those, it might be worthwhile. They also have a catcher ranked #63 in A-ball with a simulator value of 17.9. Maybe the Twins throw in somebody like Brandon Winokur (surplus value of 8.2) to help balance it out.

 

[JD-TWINS]

31 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I'm not in favor of trading Joe Ryan.  But I agree with tony&rodney, it all depends on what the return is.  A pitcher like Ryan, with his stock as high as it's ever been right now, would have the potential to bring a "franchise altering haul" in talent back.  The key word there is "potential."  Do we trust the current FO to make a good trade?  That's another very interesting topic.

A team like the Dodgers could probably overwhelm any offer from other teams.  The players that    tony&rodney listed from the Dodgers would have the potential to make a tremendously positive impact on the Twins roster.  Remember, the Seattle Mariners moved on from Ken Griffey Jr. Randy Johnson and A-Rod in the span of 2 seasons, and then set an American League record with 116 wins.

I've always liked Jarren Duran, but he alone one-for-for wouldn't be enough for Joe Ryan.  

I believe that Ryan and Lopez are the foundation for a very good #1 & #2 atop the Twins rotation.  But if you have any doubts the Twins will pony up the kind of money to re-sign Ryan before he gets to test free agency, then you have to be willing to at least consider what you could get back with him at peak value.  

To me, the reason you don’t trade him for prospects is there is too much risk (obvious) & rising stars that may be attractive (Duran if Boston) will need to be paid in 2-3 years as well - just like Ryan. Collecting good starting pitching is a goal for every team - can’t trade out if that situation.

[DJL44]

23 minutes ago, arby58 said:

A team that might match up, prospect-wise, is Philadelphia. Looking at what the Twins might need, they could offer back the #10 prospect, Andrew Painter, a RHP at AAA. He fits the Twins profile of a tall (6'7") pitcher ala Bailey Ober, and has a projected trade surplus of 49.4. They also have the #22 prospect, SS (sort of a need position for the Twins) Aidan Miller, who is at AA and has a projected surplus of 33.7. If they would give up both of those, it might be worthwhile. They also have a catcher ranked #63 in A-ball with a simulator value of 17.9. Maybe the Twins throw in somebody like Brandon Winokur (surplus value of 8.2) to help balance it out.

Painter, Miller and Tait sounds like a good start. Throw in Abel or Chace and we have a deal. Ryan has more surplus value than Santana did when the Twins traded him.

[Dman]

It would take a lot for me to want to trade Ryan.  Just keeping him for two more years you likely get another first round pick when he leaves.  It would take a truly special return to let him go with essentially three years of control left. 

Beyond that maybe I am far to optimistic, but it seems like this team isn't all that far away from contending.  If they keep Ryan I think they have a solid rotation with two arms that could make playoff starts.  The bullpen is starting to look really solid.  They just need to get the bats going with some semblance of consistency and they can play with anyone.

Remember all those years we have tried to trade for top pitching and never could meet the price or develop it?  Why give it away now that you have it?  It is the hardest thing to find in baseball.  

Personally if this team is halfway decent I would hang onto him until he leaves for free agency.  Get my draft pick and call it good.

[Riverbrian]

I mentioned this in two other topics... including it's own topic "What's Next"

It is appropriate to mention this again in this context.  

How much will Joe Ryan get in arbitration next year? Myself... I don't know but take the best guess that you can. 

Then take whatever that guess is and add it to the payroll next year. Add in whatever guesses you have on the 9 other Twins due arbitration raises to the payroll next year. Then of course... subtract the expiring contracts , the deduction in pay that Correa will get and dont' forget to factor in that they will have 7 roster spots to fill and then ask yourself with that projected figure in hand.  

How can the Twins afford what Joe Ryan will get in arbitration? The Twins have painted themselves into a corner. Someone is going to have to go. It's either Joe Ryan or Pablo Lopez just to make the money work. It's either Joe Ryan or multiple players.... Like Duran and Jax. 

The Twins have painted themselves into a corner. 

Don't expect a new owner to save them. There may be a honeymoon increase in payroll so the fans can applaud the new owner for a brief period of time, there may also not be a honeymoon increase... as they negotiate a sale price between 1.7 Billion and 1.5 billion, discuss the debt that comes with the deal in order to acquire a club with the same revenue market conditions that 20 other teams in baseball have to contend with. 

 

 

[tony&rodney]

31 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Not likely available is the reality.

Holliday is nearly an All-star ……. hitting .300 plus for last 20 games & he’s 20. Maybe the most highly touted guy in Baltimore in my memory……..they marketed him harder than Rutschman & Henderson. They won’t consider trading him for at least 5 years…. he’s successful at 20.

Not trying to be negative but if A’s trade Kurtz at this point the GM would be lynched in Sacramento. Can’t trade huge upside, controllable, every day bats………similar to Twins trading Lewis in mid ‘23.

I guess my point is that no organization is going to trade a high end every day performer for a pitcher that makes a potential difference over 6 innings - 32 times per year. To me, high-end pitchers are developed internally or signed as FA’s. Don’t see good bats traded for established arms……..maybe if Holiday or Kurtz weren’t yet in the Show and there was uncertainty hanging on to them? …….as you know, these two are on their way.

That was pretty much my point, although the Dodgers could force the hand. Baltimore isn't going anywhere until they find pitching and the Athletics are in the same predicament. No way those trades happen, but those are the types of players I want.

FWIW, I suggested trading Lewis in November of 2023. I didn't ever think Lewis was in the superstar category. I'm ready to eat crow and very hopeful for Lewis still. I just don't see him meeting expectations.

[Dman]

2 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I mentioned this in two other topics... including it's own topic "What's Next"

It is appropriate to mention this again in this context.  

How much will Joe Ryan get in arbitration next year? Myself... I don't know but take the best guess that you can. 

Then take whatever that guess is and add it to the payroll next year. Add in whatever guesses you have on the 9 other Twins due arbitration raises to the payroll next year. Then of course... subtract the expiring contracts , the deduction in pay that Correa will get and then ask yourself. 

How can the Twins afford what Joe Ryan will get in arbitration? The Twins have painted themselves into a corner. Someone is going to have to go. It's either Joe Ryan or Pablo Lopez just to make the money work. It's either Joe Ryan or multiple players.... Like Duran and Jax. 

The Twins have painted themselves into a corner. 

Don't expect a new owner to save them. There may be a honeymoon increase in payroll so the fans can applaud the new owner... but there may also not be a honeymoon increase... as they negotiate a sale price between 1.7 Billion and 1.5 billion, discuss the debt that comes with the deal and acquire a club with the same revenue market conditions that 20 other teams in baseball have to contend with. 

 

It seems that must be the issue as nothing else makes sense.  There are going to be a fair number of arb raises next year and given the performance of some of them they are going to get good bumps.  Still top of rotation arms are are the hardest thing to find in baseball. I wouldn't start by trading that type of asset away if I want to win playoff games.

[Doctor Gast]

1st, I don't trust Falvey to maximize the return we'd need to get in a trade & don't trust him to fill the needs that we have. The only team that I'd consider is LAD, having Rushing to headline that package, but again IMO LAD's FO would have the upperhand in a trade even if they were more desperate for a trade.

I can't conceive us trading away Ryan if we were selling the team. The only way I see it is if the Pohlads aren't selling or if Falvey has weasled himself into the new ownership. After Falvey has blamed the coaches especially the hitting coaches & injuries; the only other ones to blame is the core (heaven forbid that he's to fault). Then he'd sell off Ryan & the rest of the core.

[The Great Hambino]

2 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

Trading Ryan wouldn’t be a white flag on the season, but it would be a bold move for a team still chasing a playoff berth.

 

If your goal was to get my monitor covered in coffee this morning, then mission accomplished.

Not only would it be waving the white flag on this season, it would likely be waving it on 2026 and possibly 2027

[Next Year]

Trading Ryan to me would require two Walker Jenkins level prospects and one Zebby Matthews type. Unproven should be, could be good to great players. Ryan is a proven top 10-20 pitcher in the league currently w years of team control left. 

[tony&rodney]

The Twins are below .500. They are well behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. The Twins are not currently a young team. They are still among the weaker teams defensively  and they have the slowest team in all of baseball. In consideration of these factors all options must be on the table and absolutely no player in the organization is untouchable. The return, however, for a starting pitcher like Joe Ryan MUST be fantastic and not merely speculative. That will be extremely difficult to pull off. 

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, Dman said:

It seems that must be the issue as nothing else makes sense.  There are going to be a fair number of arb raises next year and given the performance of some of them they are going to get good bumps.  Still top of rotation arms are are the hardest thing to find in baseball. I wouldn't start by trading that type of asset away if I want to win playoff games.

Correa and Buxton are under contract through 2028. Buxton's contract is moveable... Correa's is not. Lopez is under contract until 2027. 

My guess is that this front office would like to keep going forward chasing what they can catch while those contracts are in place. My guess is that they don't want to trade Joe Ryan so the can continue the dream. 

In order to retain Joe Ryan... they will have to:

A. Move money elsewhere... perhaps multiple players instead of one player. If you are moving players to clear financial space... Joe Ryan will bring back the biggest return. Perhaps more than the multiple players you are moving for the same financial space. 

B. Convince the Pohlads that they need another 20 million added to payroll in 2026. 

C. Convince the new owner that another 20 million added to payroll could make him a hero in Minnesota. 

Options B and C will be a bad look for a newly appointed President/President of Baseball Operations that I'm sure understood the financial limitations when he took the job.

Option A... Will be bad look to the fans who create revenue and it will make winning baseball games harder in 2026. Because whatever money they move to free up cash... they will go from 7 roster spots to fill to 9 roster spots to fill and that will be like shoveling snow while it's still heavily snowing. 

[Road trip]

Just to play devil's advocate...

Joe Ryan looks like an ace today.  He's 29.  But last year at age 28 he was just "fairly good", 7-7, 3.60 ERA, 2.3 WAR.  The year before he wasn't even that, 1.5 WAR.

Maybe this year's production is his new normal.  Maybe Ryan will be the next Santana/Verlander/Scherzer who will have many years of sustained excellence.  But I kind of doubt it...we've seen flashes of greatness from many pitchers over the years, and there are mighty few pitchers who become an ace for a half decade or more.  Most just have a great season that is an outlier.

Right now his value is at a peak.  Buy low, sell high on stocks and baseball players.  There's a chance you are trading away the next Verlander for a pack of prospects.  There's probably a much better chance that you are trading away something far less than that though...

It does have to be a very substantial offer of multiple good players...but you have to consider it, as the 2025 Joe Ryan may just be an outlier season.