Heyman: “Joe Ryan and Ryan Jeffers Aren’t Going Anywhere”

[Cody Christie]

For months, the conversation surrounding the Twins centered on what they might sell at the trade deadline. Injuries, inconsistency, and an up-and-down first half fueled speculation that players like Joe Ryan and Ryan Jeffers could become some of the biggest names on the market. That narrative shifted dramatically Tuesday.

Last night MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Minnesota is "looking to improve the team after (a) walkoff win gets them to .500," Twins president of baseball operations Jeremy Zoll delivered a similar message during his pregame media session. The Twins aren't preparing to tear things down. They're looking for ways to make a postseason push.

With a 54-54 record and sitting just a half-game out of the American League Wild Card race, Minnesota has officially entered buyer mode.

Heyman Shuts Down Trade Speculation

Trade rumors have followed the Twins all season, especially after Joe Ryan's All-Star campaign and Ryan Jeffers' strong offensive production behind the plate made both players attractive targets for contenders.

Heyman's report poured cold water on those rumors. According to the longtime MLB insider, "Joe Ryan and Ryan Jeffers aren't going anywhere."

That aligns with what the Twins have consistently signaled internally. Ryan remains under team control and is pitching like one of the best starters in the American League. Jeffers continues to provide rare power at catcher while helping manage the pitching staff.

Moving either player would have weakened Minnesota's postseason chances. Instead, the front office appears committed to building around them. Along with Ryan and Jeffers, players such as Byron Buxton are viewed as foundational pieces the organization has no interest in moving.

Bullpen Help Tops the Wish List

While the Twins have one of the American League's most productive offenses, their bullpen has remained the club's biggest weakness throughout much of the season.

Zoll didn't hesitate when asked where the organization intends to focus before the August 3 trade deadline.

"We're going to focus on finding ways to continue to improve the bullpen," Zoll said. "That will be a clear focus. Beyond that, we're going to be open to a variety of creative paths. And you never know what might come about. We're active on the phones and in touch across the board trying to do everything we can to find ways to improve the team."

The emphasis on "creative paths" is notable. Rather than targeting only traditional rental relievers, Minnesota could pursue controllable bullpen arms, multi-player deals, or even baseball trades involving players with years of club control. The front office has repeatedly shown a willingness to explore unconventional transactions if they improve both the present and future.

Meaningful Games Were Always the Goal

Perhaps the most revealing part of Zoll's media session wasn't about a specific trade target. It was a reminder that the organization's objectives haven't changed.

"If we go back to spring training, we spent a lot of time talking about our goal was to play meaningful games in September," Zoll said. "We're very excited about how the team has played over this last stretch. Really encouraged. In turn, we're going to use this next stretch of the next week to do everything we can to find ways to improve the club and continue to execute on that goal and make it a reality."

That statement reflects a front office that believes the team's recent surge is legitimate. After climbing back to .500, the Twins have positioned themselves squarely in the playoff hunt. Rather than standing pat or cashing in valuable veterans, they're looking for ways to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Deadline Has Taken Shape

Heyman's report eliminated much of the uncertainty surrounding Ryan and Jeffers, while Zoll confirmed the organization intends to strengthen the roster rather than subtract from it. The bullpen remains the obvious priority, but Minnesota appears prepared to explore any opportunity that makes the club better without sacrificing its core.

Now the attention turns to execution. With only days remaining before the August 3 trade deadline, the Twins have made their intentions known. The challenge is turning those intentions into meaningful additions that help carry this team from an encouraging July into a postseason chase that extends well into September.

 

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[jorgenswest]

This is exactly the kind of message I would want the league to hear. Want Jeffers or Ryan? Great. We want them too. Pry them away for us.

If a week from now they are traded I am sure there will be complaints of transparency and honesty. I don’t want transparent or honest from them. I want the best deal. To get that deal they have to plan to keep them.

[DataNerd]

Hard to tell if this is their actual stance on Jeffers, or if it's just smokescreen season.  You have the leverage of a QO/comp pick to try to get the Yankees/Rays not only to bid against each other, but against us keeping him as well.

Or we deal Alex Jackson for a 6th inning guy.