Could the Chicago Cubs Trade for Twins Pitcher Joe Ryan? (Explained Simply)

Who Is Joe Ryan and Why Is He a Big Deal?

Joe Ryan plays for the Minnesota Twins. He is a starting pitcher — that’s the player who throws the first pitches in a baseball game for his team. He is really good! He just played in the MLB All-Star game (a special event where the best players from around the league play together) for the second year in a row.

A website called MLBTradeRumors put him at No. 7 on its list of the top 35 players likely to be traded this year. Writer Anthony Franco said this about him:

“Ryan has been one of the 20 or so best pitchers in MLB for a couple seasons. He’s arguably amidst the best year of his career, touting a personal-low 3.18 ERA with a 28.5% strikeout rate through 17 starts. Ryan commands the ball well and has thus far mitigated the home run trouble that was the only slight mark against him in prior seasons. He’s a slam dunk playoff starter who’d fit any team’s budget for two potential runs through October.”

What that means in kid-friendly words:

• Joe has been one of the top 20 pitchers in the big leagues for a few years.
• This season might be his best ever! His ERA (Earned Run Average — a number that shows how few runs he lets the other team score; lower is better) is 3.18, his lowest yet, after 17 games started.
• He strikes out (makes batters miss the ball) 28.5% of the time.
• He throws the ball exactly where he wants, and he has fixed a small past problem (giving up home runs).
• He is a sure bet to help any team in the playoffs (the games after the regular season to crown a champion).

The article also notes that Joe Ryan currently holds a 2.85 ERA this season with 128 strikeouts in 110.1 innings pitched (an inning is a chunk of the game). He is exactly the kind of pitcher the Cubs need to boost their playoff and National League title chances.

Important: If another star pitcher named Tarik Skubal is not traded, Joe Ryan stands out as the best pitcher available. Because he is so good, his price tag will not be cheap, and many teams want him.

The Trade Deadline and Joe’s Status

In baseball, there is a final date each year when teams can swap players. This year that date is August 3. Before then, teams can make deals. Joe Ryan is a “trade candidate” (a player who might be moved). The Chicago Cubs (a team from Chicago) should absolutely think about getting him.

Looking at a Potential Cubs–Twins Trade

The Cubs have some young players they could send to the Twins to get Joe Ryan. Their biggest trade chip (the most valuable player they could offer) is Matt Shaw, who plays in the infield (positions like second or third base). He would be the centerpiece of the deal. The Cubs also have enough other young players to build a solid package.

Here is the full trade idea from the article:

• Cubs receive: Right-handed pitcher (throws with his right hand) Joe Ryan
• Twins receive:
  • Infielder Matt Shaw
  • Outfielder Kevin Alcantara
  • Prospects (young players still learning) Brandon Birdsell and Brett Bateman

That is a pretty big group of players! But because Joe Ryan might be the top starter traded this cycle, the Twins will demand a haul, and other winning teams are also “chomping at the bit” (very eager) to land the two-time All-Star.

Important: The Cubs’ group of pitchers has played well over the past few weeks, but they still have five arms on the injured list (players hurt and unable to play). They need healthy, top-tier pitching like Ryan’s.

Why the Cubs Should Make This Trade

About a month ago, reports said the Cubs might be willing to give up Matt Shaw if it meant landing a front-line starter (a top pitcher). This is the perfect opportunity for Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer and his team to make a big splash.

• Kevin Alcantara has played a fair amount, but his outfield spot is blocked by other good players: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki/Michael Conforto.
• The two prospects are both in Triple-A (the level just below the big leagues). Birdsell is the Cubs’ #14 prospect, and Bateman is ranked #18 in the Cubs system (according to MiLB.com).

The Cubs’ biggest need before the trade deadline remains starting pitching. If Joe Ryan is actually made available, expect Jed Hoyer to make some phone calls.

Summary

• Joe Ryan is a star Twins pitcher, two-time All-Star, with excellent stats (low ERA, many strikeouts).
• He is likely the best trade target before the August 3 deadline if Tarik Skubal isn’t moved.
• The proposed trade sends Ryan to the Cubs in exchange for Matt Shaw, Kevin Alcantara, and prospects Brandon Birdsell and Brett Bateman.
• The Cubs need pitching help due to injuries and their playoff hopes.
• Chicago’s GM should strongly consider picking up the phone for this deal.

This article was written by TJ French for Heavy.com, covering MLB.

FAQ

1. What is a “trade candidate” in baseball?
A trade candidate is a player who might be swapped from one team to another before the trade deadline. Joe Ryan is one because his team could deal him for other players.

2. Why is Joe Ryan so valuable?
He is a proven top pitcher with a low ERA and high strikeout rate, plus playoff experience. Being a two-time All-Star makes him even more wanted by contending teams.

3. What does “ERA” mean?
ERA stands for Earned Run Average. It shows how many earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings. A lower number means the pitcher is doing a great job at stopping the other team from scoring.

4. Who are the prospects mentioned?
They are young players not yet in the main big-league team: Brandon Birdsell (Cubs’ #14 prospect) and Brett Bateman (#18) both playing in Triple-A, which is one step below the major leagues.

5. What is the August 3 deadline?
It’s the final date this season when MLB teams can trade players. After that day, no more player swaps are allowed until the next season.