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What it will take for SF Giants to finally land their white whale, Twins ace Joe Ryan

He would make so much sense in San Francisco.
ByNick San Miguel
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San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) leaves the field after being lifted during the sixth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) leaves the field after being lifted during the sixth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

For years now, Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan has seemed like a perfect fit for the San Francisco Giants. He’s a San Francisco native and two-time All-Star who would be a perfect co-ace alongside Logan Webb in the rotation. Could this be the offseason the Giants finally land their white whale?

The Twins are coming off a 77-85 season in 2026 and while the American League was weak and teams like the Twins could easily turn things around next season, the fact that Ryan is entering his last year under contract with Minnesota and is set to hit free agency could spur the Twins to trade their best pitcher.

If Minnesota is open to trading him, the Giants have to be all over it. Ryan is coming off a bit of a down season but not an awful one by any stretch. He made 27 starts and had a 3.79 ERA as he struck out 159 batters in 144 2/3 innings. 

Acquiring an arm like that will not come cheap. A decent comparison may be to the trade that the Baltimore Orioles made for Corbin Burnes as he entered his final season before free agency. Baltimore sent top-100 prospect Joey Ortiz, pitcher DL Hall, and a competitive balance round draft pick in exchange for Burnes.

It might take something similar to land Ryan. If the Twins want a major league-ready player then Casey Schmitt could be a potential option. He had a great year in 2026 and is not signed to a big contract. Or if Minnesota wants prospects the Giants could send one of their young teenage shortstops in a deal.

Giants may have to take a leap of faith with a Joe Ryan trade

It’s a risk for San Francisco because unless they sign Ryan to an extension then a trade for him could end up being a waste especially if they don’t even make the playoffs in 2027. Perhaps the fact that he was born in San Francisco will give them a leg up over other teams but there are no guarantees on that.

Maybe a risk like that is necessary though given the state of the rotation. The Giants tried more modest rotation additions last offseason with Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser and it didn’t really pan out so a big trade could be what helps shore up the top of the rotation.

They’ll have to part with a player or two that they’re fond of which won’t be easy, but in order to land a player who we already know will look good in a Giants uniform that might be a price worth paying.

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