​Twins urged not to repeat Pablo Lopez trade mistake with 3.18 ERA All-Star Joe Ryan
The Minnesota Twins aren’t currently a prime postseason favorite, but they sit within 2.5 games of a Wild Card spot as the race shapes up for October. With a 39-45 record, they still have a path to contending, though the more likely scenario could be selling at the trade deadline. MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan argues that the Twins should consider selling and cautions against making the same misstep they did with Pablo Lopez, who is now on the injured list after elbow surgery and unavailable in 2026. The key message is not to pass on a potential haul for Joe Ryan while he is healthy and performing at a high level, just as they did with Lopez.
Ryan, who owns a 3.18 ERA, is under club control through 2027, giving the Twins time to decide, but Harrigan contends that the extra year of control should only enhance his value in a trade. While Byron Buxton has a no-trade clause limiting options, Ryan does not, making him a prime candidate to move in what is expected to be a seller’s market. If the Twins want to maximize their return and build for the future, entertaining trades for Ryan this summer could be a prudent move, especially given his current trade value and the potential to recoup significant prospects or young players.
Harrigan emphasizes that repeating the Lopez mistake would be costly for the franchise, and he urges the Twins to explore trade calls for Ryan while he remains at peak value. As the All-Star break approaches and the market heats up, Minnesota must weigh the risks of holding onto Ryan against the potential benefits of trading him now.