Twins Decline Options on Joe Ryan and Josh Bell

The Minnesota Twins made a pair of expected decisions as the offseason officially gets underway. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the club declined its side of mutual options for starting pitcher Joe Ryan and first baseman Josh Bell, allowing both players to enter the next phase of their respective contract situations.

While neither decision comes as a major surprise, the two players have very different paths forward. Ryan remains under team control for another season, while Bell is free to explore opportunities with other organizations.

Joe Ryan Remains Under Team Control

Minnesota declined its portion of a $13 million mutual option with Ryan. However, this doesn't mean the right-hander is headed to free agency just yet. He remains arbitration-eligible for one more season before becoming a free agent following the 2027 campaign. MLB Trade Rumors projects Ryan to earn $9.6 million through arbitration. That would represent a significant salary increase, but it would still give Minnesota a relatively affordable opportunity to retain one of its most important starting pitchers.

Ryan has established himself as a reliable rotation presence since making his major league debut in 2021. His combination of strike-throwing ability, swing-and-miss stuff, and willingness to attack hitters has made him an important part of Minnesota's pitching staff.

He also brings considerable value because of his ability to miss bats. Ryan's fastball and splitter combination has helped him become one of the more recognizable pitchers in the organization's rotation. His consistency has made him a valuable trade asset, and his name has surfaced in discussions about Minnesota potentially reshaping its roster.

Ryan experienced some ups and downs during the 2026 season. He was particularly effective during the first half, posting a 3.17 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. However, his performance dipped after the All-Star break, when he recorded a 4.99 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.

That second-half performance adds another layer to Minnesota's decision-making process. The Twins have to determine whether Ryan fits into their plans for 2027 or whether his remaining year of team control makes this an appropriate time to explore his trade value.

Either way, declining the mutual option doesn't close the door on Ryan returning to Minnesota. The arbitration process gives the organization another opportunity to keep him in the rotation without committing to a long-term contract.

Josh Bell Heads to Free Agency

Minnesota also declined its option on the $10 million mutual option with Bell, making the veteran first baseman a free agent. Bell signed a one-year contract last offseason that guaranteed him $7 million. The mutual option gave both sides the opportunity to continue the relationship in 2027, but neither had much incentive to exercise it. Bell walks away with his $5.5 million salary, a $250,000 signing bonus, and a $1.25 million buyout.

There wasn't anything particularly earth-shattering about his 2026 performance. Across 154 games, Bell hit .255 with a .738 OPS. He endured another slow start before finishing with a 106 OPS+, putting him slightly above league-average offensive production.

Bell launched 21 home runs, just one shy of his 2025 total. He has remained a fairly consistent offensive contributor since 2023, making him a potentially attractive option for teams seeking an experienced first baseman or designated hitter. Now 34, Bell posted 0.7 fWAR in 2026. FanGraphs valued that production at approximately $5.6 million, making another short-term contract a reasonable possibility.

Two Different Offseason Paths

The Twins' decisions create flexibility without necessarily signaling the end of their relationship with Ryan. He remains an important piece of the 2027 rotation, although his trade value could make him an intriguing offseason conversation.

Bell's departure is more straightforward. Minnesota can look elsewhere for first-base production while Bell searches for another opportunity. Neither mutual option was particularly appealing for the organization, making these decisions relatively easy ways to begin the offseason.