Joe Ryan Returning to Twins, Happy Teammates Retained

This blog post breaks down Joe Ryan’s decision to return to the Minnesota Twins on a one-year deal. It looks at how that fits into the team’s long-term plans and what it says about the Twins’ youth movement and leadership as they chase a winning window.

With a return agreement that includes a mutual option for 2027 and a shot at proving himself in the Twins’ upgraded rotation, Ryan’s story is a mix of on-field performance, personal milestones, and front-office direction. It’s not just about stats; it’s about where the team’s going.

Contract, optics and the Twins’ path forward

Ryan’s return shows the Twins have real faith in their pitching staff. It also signals that the club is ready to rely on its own developmental pipeline as it tries to compete in a crowded American League.

The deal was announced in late January. Ryan said he was happy to rejoin a club that had just worked hard to keep core talents like Pablo López and Byron Buxton.

Deal terms and financial structure

• One-year, $6.2 million contract
• $13 million mutual option for 2027
• The signing date was January 26, marking a clean return to the club after a fluctuating offseason.

Those numbers put Ryan in a familiar arbitration-free spot for 2025-26. The deal could lead to a longer relationship if he keeps performing.

The Twins clearly want to invest in a pitcher they think can anchor a rotation that balances homegrown talent and veteran steadiness. It’s a bit of a bet, but that’s baseball.

Performance, personal milestones and the world stage

Ryan heads into the season with a strong track record and a focus that goes beyond the mound. He finished last season with a 13-10 record, a 3.42 ERA, and 194 strikeouts in 171 innings.

Those numbers say a lot about his durability and his ability to get swings and misses. Off the field, his offseason was busy—he welcomed his son Rowan and started prepping for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

On-field performance and late-season adjustments

Ryan admitted he struggled at the end of the 2025 campaign. The Twins traded several teammates, and his own results slipped down the stretch.

He posted a 4.89 ERA and gave up more home runs in his last 10 starts, but he says he’s moved past it. Shifting rosters and big life changes pulled his focus, yet he still believes he can help the Twins find a steadier winning path.

Rotation ambitions: a young, high-upside group

One of the most interesting things about Ryan’s return is the optimism around the Twins’ rotation prospects. The club is counting on a wave of young arms to push out older stars if they keep developing.

Ryan mentioned a few names he thinks have real upside, hinting at where Minnesota hopes to find future depth and a competitive edge.

Promising young arms named by Ryan

• Taj Bradley
• Mick Abel
• Zebby Matthews
• David Festa
• Simeon Woods Richardson

Together, these pitchers bring a mix of velocity and developing command. That could give the Twins a deeper, tougher rotation as they chase more consistency from their staff.

Arbitration, leadership, and the manager’s fit

Ryan talked about the leadership that brought him back. He praised new executive chair Tom Pohlad for meeting with him and pointed to Pohlad’s vision and motivation to win as a big reason for re-signing.

He also touched on his early chats with Derek Shelton, the team’s manager. Ryan described those conversations as friendly and said Shelton’s style fits well with Minnesota’s clubhouse culture.

Arbitration history, protests and a changing climate

Ryan didn’t hide his feelings about arbitration, calling it “antiquated” and “stupid.” Still, he accepted the outcome and moved on.

He reflected on how the Twins’ front office and ownership have worked to steady the team’s direction. Balancing World Baseball Classic duties and personal milestones helped him stay grounded over the winter.

Looking ahead: what fans can expect

With Ryan back and Pohlad and Shelton setting the course, the Twins look ready to lean into a youth-driven rotation. They’ll still count on some veteran steadiness in the short term.

The one-year deal, the mutual option, and a renewed focus on growth show that Minnesota’s betting on internal progress as the backbone of its 2026 plans. Whether it works out? We’ll see, but the intent is clear.

Takeaways for the 2026 season

• Ryan brings a steadying vibe to a rotation that’s got both experience and some wild, high-upside arms.
• Pohlad and Shelton want to build a winning culture here, and they’re really focused on keeping the roster healthy and tough.
• Keep an eye on Bradley, Abel, Matthews, Festa, and Woods Richardson. Any of them could break out as the Twins try to put together a deeper, scarier pitching staff.

 
Here is the source article for this story: With key teammates retained, Joe Ryan ‘really happy’ to return to Twins