Twins' payroll situation could set the stage for big SF Giants trade for ace

The SF Giants are expected to be very focused on adding pitching this offseason through any means necessary. If they explore a trade, they could make a play for Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan given Minnesota’s payroll situation.

Reporting suggests that the Twins may be lowering payroll this offseason and if they do they may decide to trade away Ryan even though he has been excellent for them in recent seasons. In 2025 he was a first-time All-Star and had a very solid season overall. In 31 appearances and 171 innings pitched, Ryan had a 3.42 ERA with 194 strikeouts compared to 39 walks.

SF Giants can make trade for Twins ace

Ryan is on an affordable contract as he is only set to make $6 million next season which is a bargain for the 29-year-old. That likely means Minnesota would ask for a rather big haul in exchange for him, though. 

But if these reports are true that Minnesota may need to slash payroll in order to meet whatever budget constraints ownership sets, then maybe the Twins will be desperate to offload him rather than wait for the highest offer in return.

No matter what, the Giants would be wise to kick the tires on Ryan this offseason to see if they could possibly get him. He is a San Francisco native and actually signed with the Giants in 2014 but opted to go to college instead. He would instantly add stability to a rotation that needs to add two proven arms to fill out a five-man rotation.

If the Giants added Ryan to a rotation that featured Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, they would have three 2025 All-Stars on their staff going into 2026. That would make for a very solid foundation a year after the team just ran out of reliable starting pitching depth by the end of the season.

It remains to be seen what teams would have to give up to get Ryan, though. Surely the Giants would not give up certain players like Bryce Eldridge. But what if the Giants created a package that included top pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt, outfielder Heliot Ramos, and some other mid-level prospect? If that was enough to get it done, then the Giants would be wise to make it happen.

The Giants are expected to be active in every market possible as they look to improve their pitching staff. Trading for Ryan would be a huge move and would do a lot to make the team’s rotation look stronger going into 2026.