Minnesota Twins All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan’s name has been mentioned frequently in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Many thought he would 100% be on a new team when the 2026 season started. However, the Twins decided to hold the right side, which is the right decision if they want to be competitive this year.
Of course, making more moves this offseason would put the Twins in a much better position to compete, but they still have the talent to make a playoff run. Byron Buxton and Pablo López are among the game’s best players. Luke Keaschall looks like a future All-Star. Several highly touted prospects appear ready to make the jump to the big leagues soon. And the starting rotation has sufficient depth.
And while it would have been nice to see the Twins make more substantial moves this season, they made some solid, cheap additions, signing catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini, first baseman Josh Bell and lefty reliever Taylor Rogers. They also traded for established bullpen arms Anthony Banda and Eric Orze. Additionally, they have signed several high-upside relievers to minor league deals, including Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather. Signing infielders Gio Urshela and Orlando Arcia to minor league deals are also solid, low-cost moves.
While many fans are upset about the direction the Twins have taken in recent years, they should still watch their favorite team next season. Despite uncertainties surrounding the roster, Ryan is optimistic for the 2026 season.
“I’m really happy to be here and with the other guys they kept around,” Ryan told reporters, including MLB.com’s Matthew Leach. “I think it would have been a little more difficult if they had started carrying more guys.”
Joe Ryan’s positive quote should give fans reason to be excited about the 2026 season
Some fans may think that Ryan isn’t really happy being a twin, despite what he said. However, the right has never been shy about his feelings about the way the Twins operate. Towards the end of last season, Ryan told Phill Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune that releasing Sonny Gray in free agency was “the biggest mistake” the team had made since the Tampa Bay Rays traded him to the Twins for designated hitter Nelson Cruz in 2021. So when Ryan says he’s happy being a twin, fans have no reason to disbelieve him and should be excited about the upcoming season.
While there are reasons to be excited about the Twins’ 2026 season, fans should still keep expectations in check. There are a lot of questions about Minnesota’s roster. But the team is still packed with talent and Ryan is clearly optimistic that the club can do great things next season.
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