Imagine being a star pitcher, watching your team dismantle around you, only to be told you’re staying put. That’s the rollercoaster Joe Ryan has been on with the Minnesota Twins. But here’s where it gets controversial: does loyalty to a few key players outweigh the uncertainty of a team in flux?
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Joe Ryan’s return to the Minnesota Twins this season wasn’t a given. After the team’s dramatic roster overhaul last year, which saw 10 of his teammates traded, Ryan could’ve easily questioned his future. However, the decision to retain core players like Pablo López and Byron Buxton—two pillars of the team’s identity—was a game-changer for him. As Ryan put it, ‘If they started shipping off more guys, it would have been a little bit harder.’ Instead, with familiar faces like Bailey Ober and Ryan Jeffers still in the mix, he feels there’s a solid foundation to build upon.
Ryan, who posted an impressive 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts last season, has plenty to be excited about. His offseason was a whirlwind, marked by the birth of his first child, Rowan, in November, and his preparation to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Amidst these personal milestones, he also navigated the business side of baseball, signing a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the Twins in January, which includes a $13 million mutual option for next season. ‘I’m really happy to be here,’ Ryan said, emphasizing the importance of continuity in a sport often defined by change.
And this is the part most people miss: Ryan’s optimism isn’t just about the present—it’s about the future. He’s particularly bullish on the Twins’ young pitching talent, including Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Simeon Woods Richardson. ‘They all look really good and have a ton of potential,’ he noted. ‘I think we’re really lucky to have them.’ If these prospects pan out, the Twins’ rotation could become one of the league’s most formidable.
But let’s not forget the challenges. The final two months of the 2025 season were a grind for Ryan. After a strong start, his performance dipped, with a 4.89 ERA and 2.17 home runs per nine innings over his last 10 starts. Some speculate this slump cost him votes for the American League Cy Young Award. Ryan admits there were moments when motivation waned, especially after the trade deadline, when the team’s postseason hopes faded. ‘It’s in the past,’ he said, brushing off the disappointment. ‘I have no control over it.’
Off the field, Ryan’s life has been anything but dull. Fatherhood and his Team USA commitment kept him focused, though he couldn’t ignore the organizational shake-ups, including the firing of manager Rocco Baldelli. Ryan was surprised by Baldelli’s dismissal but has since warmed to new manager Derek Shelton, describing him as ‘friendly’ after several conversations. He also appreciated the effort from new executive chair Tom Pohlad, who flew to Los Angeles for a one-on-one lunch, showcasing a commitment to player relationships.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Ryan didn’t shy away from criticizing the arbitration process, calling it ‘pretty antiquated and kind of stupid.’ Despite avoiding arbitration with the Twins at the last minute, he believes the system is flawed. ‘No one in the league likes it,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t benefit anyone.’ This bold stance raises questions: Is the arbitration system truly broken, or is it a necessary evil in the business of baseball? What changes, if any, should be made to make it fairer for both players and teams?
As Ryan looks ahead, he’s confident the Twins are on the right track. ‘We’ve got a lot of guys to build around,’ he said. ‘We’ll be in a good spot.’ But the real test will be whether the team’s young talent can live up to the hype and whether Ryan’s optimism translates into on-field success. Only time will tell.
So, what do you think? Is Ryan’s faith in the Twins’ future justified, or is he overlooking potential pitfalls? And is the arbitration system as flawed as he claims? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
