Came here to say, a few years back Detroit traded Jack Flaherty for a good prospect return AND still made the playoffs.
I'm not saying this to say the Twins will make the playoffs. But if they do get a strong return for Ryan, that's not necessarily a bad thing. With how their starting rotation is shaping up, they can trade someone now who can bring a strong return and still be ok. That's especially true if he won't be extended here.
Plus, is anyone else certain that he can ever have a full and healthy season? I suppose that's the same for every pitcher ever.
Let's just say they get a good pitching prospect who is either at AA/AAA or already had a cup of coffee, along with a really good hitting prospect. Something stronger than what Duran brought back. Why would that be a bad thing when A) We don't know if there is a 2027 season and B) he probably won't be extended anyway.
I'm good with it, is basically what I'm saying.