How the Twins and Giants Could Align on a Joe Ryan Trade

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © John Hefti-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins are expected to dump salary this winter, and the San Francisco Giants are expected to be aggressive. With franchise legend Buster Posey now overseeing baseball operations, the team appears ready to make significant moves to return to contention. Ownership has given Posey the green light to pursue major trades and free-agent signings, and pitching should be near the top of his list.

One name that could make sense for the Giants is Twins starter Joe Ryan, a California native. The right-hander is coming off the best season of his young career and has become an intriguing target for clubs looking to add a playoff-caliber starter.

Revisiting a Familiar Name
When the Twins put their roster through its own round of right-sizing at this July’s trade deadline, Ryan was one of the few regulars who remained in Minnesota. There were rumors that he had been traded to the Red Sox, but that never came to fruition. However, as the hot stove begins to crackle, his name is resurfacing in trade speculation. Ryan’s profile suits the needs of the Giants (or any contenting team): a controllable starter who provides reliability and value, without the cost of a frontline ace.

Ryan, 28, posted a 3.42 ERA (125 ERA+) across 171 innings in 2025, while striking out 194 batters. He’s under team control for two more seasons, making him a cost-effective option for any contender that values stability in the middle of the rotation. With Robbie Ray and Logan Webb at the top of the Giants’ staff, Ryan would slide comfortably into the No. 3 spot, forming a potent trio that could carry the club through the rigors of a 162-game season.

A Match Built on Prospect Depth
The Giants’ farm system was MLB Pipeline’s most improved system in its last rankings update. It is deep in young infield talent, which could entice Minnesota’s front office. High-ceiling shortstops Josuar Gonzalez and Jhonny Level headline the type of return that could make a Ryan deal worthwhile.

Gonzalez, 18, is one of the more athletic shortstops in the lower levels of the minors, flashing elite defensive instincts and emerging power. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as San Francisco’s second-best prospect, and he was considered the best position player in the 2025 international signing period. Last season, he hit .288/.404/.455 with a 129 wRC+ in the Dominican Summer League. His speed and improving bat-to-ball skills could make him a long-term fit up the middle, but he’s a long way from impacting the big-league roster. 

Level, an 18-year-old shortstop, has shown an advanced approach at the plate, with a developing ability to impact the baseball. In 2025, he came Stateside and hit .269/.360/.436 (good for a 109 wRC+), while reaching Low-A as a teenager. He is under six feet tall, but has shown an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He has speed and athleticism that should allow him to stick at an up-the-middle defensive position. Both players would help the Twins replenish a farm system that needs infield depth after years of aggressive trades.

Beyond position players, San Francisco could also offer one of its young arms to fill Ryan’s rotation spot in the near future. Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong each offer an intriguing mix of control and upside. Roupp’s polished arsenal and ability to limit hard contact could make him an MLB-ready contributor by 2026. The 26-year-old posted a 3.80 ERA with a 105 ERA+ and a 21.4 K% in 106 2/3 innings. He is under team control through 2030.   

Birdsong’s fastball-slider combination gives him the look of a future mid-rotation starter with strikeout potential. His 28.4% whiff rate on opposing batters' swings ranked in the 74th percentile, with his slider and changeup both above 30%. His overall numbers don’t scream frontline starter (4.80 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP), but he is nearly three years younger than Roupp. He is also under team control through the 2030 season. 

What a Deal Could Mean for Both Clubs
For the Giants, landing Ryan would solidify the top of their rotation and create much-needed balance behind Webb and Ray. It also fits Posey’s plan to modernize San Francisco’s roster with a mix of established veterans and cost-controlled contributors.

For the Twins, moving Ryan would be about continuing their roster reset, while replenishing the farm system with talent that aligns with their next competitive window. Minnesota’s front office has shown a willingness to move established players if the return facilitates long-term success, and a Giants package headlined by young infielders and an MLB-ready pitcher could check that box.

Ryan’s trade value is at its peak, and with multiple teams seeking dependable starters, Minnesota is positioned to take advantage. If the Twins decide it’s time to cash in on their consistent right-hander, the Giants might be the perfect partner.

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What do you think? Should the Twins explore a Joe Ryan trade, and do the Giants have the right mix of talent to make it happen? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

It’s not enough help in the near term, and arguably how you laid it out is less coming back than they got for Duran at the deadline. I don’t see an 18 year old being a headliner here in my opinion 

[HrbieFan]

Why trade for an 18 yo SS when you have an offense and rotation that can compete? Trade to fill holes, not just top prospects. 

[tony&rodney]

Joe Ryan would love to pitch for San Francisco. It is home and the park is friendly for fly ball pitchers.

Good rundown of a couple of young athletes that the Giants organization is high on right now.

So what players can the Giants offer that fit on the 2026 roster and have years of control? None.

There is your answer. The Giants have some interesting lower level players who COULD be really good some day, like by 2030. Joe Ryan isn't a player to trade for R/A/A+ ball players. I love the Giants and have a friend who works for them. No way can we accept lower level players for Joe Ryan. If that is the best the Twins can do, keep him. Ryan looks really good in a Twins uniform. There will be other suitors who envision Ryan pitching for them next year in the playoffs and willing to talk.

[SteveLV]

Any trade with Giants for pitchers of the caliber of Ryan or Lopez has to include Bryce Eldridge, who got a cup of coffee at the end of last season and is the prototypical 1B masher the Twins need.

Edridge just had a bone spur removed in his wrist so the medicals need to be checked out, but that is the headliner on any deal with the Giants as far as I am concerned, not some prospect that is 3 years away.

[DocBauer]

(Fingers in ears) Yadav yada yada.

Man, I get it.

But I all about a WAY LOWER than average ML payroll of around $120M-ish where we have a little over $30M to make a handful of smart additions, trust a new day and a new staff will get the most out of Lewis, Buxton, Jeffers, Wallner, Lee, Keaschall, etc, and welcome in Rodriguez, Jenkins, Culpepper, and Gonzalez at some point in 2026 and do the best to build an acceptable, average bullpen with a few conversion arms that might help later in the season.

I don't believe in just "giving up" when I see a solid base in place for my team. High quality SP is the hardest thing to find. The Twins have at least some of that. So until I hear some ridiculous payroll number, I'm going to be "that guy" who isn't willing to give up on a RE-TOOL vs RE-BUILD.

[DJL44]

They need Bryce Eldridge in a trade with the Giants. San Francisco just traded for Rafael Devers to take 1B. Get Eldridge and two more prospects. The other two can be a later ETA.

[rdehring]

Add me to those above who say no way to the proposals you suggest.  

First, the Twins could and maybe should keep Ryan.  That would give them a trio of excellent pitchers to head their rotation.  You know, three pitchers capable of being competitive in the playoffs.  

Don't know what the front office is thinking, however, they shouldn't trade Ryan unless they get blown away.  And that doesn't mean a couple `18-year old shortstops years away.  They must get two of whatever team's top half dozen prospects.  And only if those are good prospects with at least one ready to join the club in 2026 and the other at Hi-A or AA.  Throw in a solid prospect back in rookie ball and you have something to consider.

Should they get such an offer they also should be looking to fill holes on their squad with filling one of first base, catcher and the bullpen a must.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

In the scenario that a trade with the Giants happens, im looking for Bryce Eldridge and Landen Roupp to start. Fills Ryan's spot in the rotation and a possible starter at 1st base. 

[Jacksson]

How could we possibly align?  We already fleeced them for Sam Dyson & Shawn Anderson

[Jacksson]

54 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

They need Bryce Eldridge in a trade with the Giants. San Francisco just traded for Rafael Devers to take 1B. Get Eldridge and two more prospects. The other two can be a later ETA.

Devers is a DH.  Occasionally he will appear at 1B or even 3B but his primary position is BAT. 

[Nashvilletwin]

No thanks.   We are already long athletic infield prospects multiple years away from the majors as well “middle age” big league unproven fourth (at best) or fifth starter types.  Besides, if the ping pong balls fall the right way, we will drafting another shortstop better than the two highlighted.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

How about Derek Falvey to the Giants, and Buster Posey to the Twins

[DJL44]

Do people here know that premium prospects can be traded for other players? Always maximize the upside talent potential in a vets for prospects trade.

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

They need Bryce Eldridge in a trade with the Giants. San Francisco just traded for Rafael Devers to take 1B. Get Eldridge and two more prospects. The other two can be a later ETA.

Came to say this.  Eldridge is on the table or the phone gets hung up.

[Riverbrian]

No idea if Eldridge is the real deal or the Next Andrew Vaughn. But, he would be perhaps the only consideration. 

If they are going to move Ryan... the players we get in return need to be legitimate candidates for the opening day roster. 

[rv78]

Will never happen. Falvey has said that he isn't trading Ryan or Lopez. My question is......... did he put it in writing?

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, SteveLV said:

Any trade with Giants for pitchers of the caliber of Ryan or Lopez has to include Bryce Eldridge, who got a cup of coffee at the end of last season and is the prototypical 1B masher the Twins need.

Edridge just had a bone spur removed in his wrist so the medicals need to be checked out, but that is the headliner on any deal with the Giants as far as I am concerned, not some prospect that is 3 years away.

Not a fan of wrist surgery for a hitter....

[Blyleven2011]

52 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Do people here know that premium prospects can be traded for other players? Always maximize the upside talent potential in a vets for prospects trade.

How's Arizona's farm system ranking ...

I know we are talking san Francisco and what Cody is suggesting seems alittle weak in return  , the 1st baseman eldridge seems to be major league ready and would come with years of control , but this trade should be mostly about getting hitting prospects with one of the pitchers mentioned by cody   ...

Its  already been said during the world series that the twins want 2 of their top 5 for Ryan . I do not know if it was a reliable source ,  it popped up on my phone and it stated that redsox and minnesota were back negotiating  ....

I found it kind of odd that a trade was being discussed so soon after the season was over and world series wasnt quite complete , i know the front office knows more than the fans but i believe ryan has already requested a trade and FO is already acting on it , if the source has any merit ...

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, Blyleven2011 said:

How's Arizona's farm system ranking ...

 

Not too hot, to answer your question. Arizona does have some infielders ready, more or less and an outfielder but, alas, three positions are taken in the infield. 

Arizona does have a former top prospect and they are looking for starting pitching. The Diamondbacks GM has stated he would consider trading a young pup for a pitcher. 

The young fellow to target is Jordan Lawler. His first go at MLB was really rough. He is a very smooth shortstop but couldn't adequately handle third base. While most people assume a good shortstop can play all positions, there are a few guys who don't like being that close without any space. 

I'm wondering if Arizona would be open to a Lawler for a young pitcher trade? The D-Backs could pick one from the lot: Abel, Bradley, Festa, Matthews, Morris, or Woods Richardson. I would also give AZI the option of choosing Bailey Ober.

This trade would probably see varying results from a tool like BBTV, but Arizona would stand to benefit from gaining a good back end rotation pitcher with years of control and they really don't feel any loss because while they are currently wondering if Lawler can play centerfield he has not made his mark in the desert. The Twins pick up a talented player who has failed badly but carries the potential to play slick middle infield defense, run the bases, hit with power, and hopefully transfer his minor league consistency at the plate into The Show. My thought is that the Twins can afford the gamble on trading one of these young starters. Matthews or Bradley should be quite attractive to Arizona. Lawler should be quite attractive for Minnesota. This seems like a mutually beneficial exchange.

[Chembry]

A few things came to mind as I read the article:

1. If we are talking about 18 year old prospects in rookie and A ball as headliners for Ryan with 2 years of control, that should be a hard pass.  

2. As others have said, if we are to trade with SF, Eldridge should be the only headliner the Twins should consider.  He is a top prospect, fills a position of need, and is athletic for his size.

3. At the time of the Duran trade, we got 2 top 100 prospects (Tait was #56 and Abel was #92 per MLB pipeline).  Ryan’s trade value is approximately double, so this return would be a huge disappointment. I know Birdsong or Roupp are considered part of the deal.  Both Gonzalez and Level are essentially lottery tickets given they are so young and in the low minors, even though Gonzalez is a top 100 prospect (82 mlb pipeline and BA, 28 FG).  

4. Probably the biggest takeaway is that if the Twins are going to trade Ryan, they need to get it right because he doesn’t have to be traded.  The headliner talent coming back in return needs to be MLB ready (or very close to it).  

[dxpavelka]

ELDRIDGE.  If not, NO DEAL Howie.  Not sure why we would want TWO SS that won't be ready for at least 3 years.  Eldridge and one of the SS and maybe a lefty like Jacob Bresnahan.  OR come to our senses and DON'T trade our best pitcher.

[glunn]

7 hours ago, SteveLV said:

Any trade with Giants for pitchers of the caliber of Ryan or Lopez has to include Bryce Eldridge, who got a cup of coffee at the end of last season and is the prototypical 1B masher the Twins need.

Edridge just had a bone spur removed in his wrist so the medicals need to be checked out, but that is the headliner on any deal with the Giants as far as I am concerned, not some prospect that is 3 years away.

You had me until the bone spur. The Twins seem snakebit with players who had injuries when acquired.

[old nurse]

9 hours ago, Jacksson said:

How could we possibly align?  We already fleeced them for Sam Dyson & Shawn Anderson

Yup, Teng, Berroa, and Davis ended up to be big stars. 

[Patzky]

10 hours ago, Jacksson said:

How could we possibly align?  We already fleeced them for Sam Dyson & Shawn Anderson

The deSclafani strands go back to SF too.

[Patzky]

3 hours ago, glunn said:

You had me until the bone spur. The Twins seem snakebit with players who had injuries when acquired.

He may become president but he may become just another fleeced trade.

[Doctor Gast]

10 hours ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

How about Derek Falvey to the Giants, and Buster Posey to the Twins

I know you were kidding, but only if it were true! I can't fathom any Twins fan that wouldn't be elated over the possibility of replacing a weird analytical nerd that has no grasp of reality for a down-to-earth, baseball-smart former catcher POBO with the right perspective on analytics. But evidently there is.

[DJL44]

4 hours ago, glunn said:

You had me until the bone spur. The Twins seem snakebit with players who had injuries when acquired.

That’s why you spread the risk by acquiring two more players with upside. 

[Doctor Gast]

Frankly, I'm sick & tired of Falvey-type trade suggestions. Trades where it is greatly advantageous to the opposing team, yet on our return, though it may look good on paper to some with hyped-up prospects,  but in reality, they never come to fruition. They bloat our system with AAAA, unproven, undeveloped, redundant players that don't fill our immediate needs. For the Twins to get what they need in a Ryan trade, they may need to be creative. Though Falvey likes to use this word, he has no understanding of what it means.

[dxpavelka]

4 hours ago, glunn said:

You had me until the bone spur. The Twins seem snakebit with players who had injuries when acquired.

I'll see your bone spur, raise you Aaron Sabato, and call.