Minnesota Twins Agree to Terms with All Arbitration-Eligible Players Except Joe Ryan
The Minnesota Twins have made significant progress in shaping their roster for the 2026 season, agreeing to contracts with all of their arbitration-eligible players—except for starting pitcher Joe Ryan. This development marks a near-complete resolution for the club as they enter a critical offseason period, allowing management to focus on free agency, roster depth, and potential trades.
Arbitration Season Wrap-Up for the Twins
The Twins’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey and General Manager Thad Levine, has successfully avoided a potentially contentious arbitration hearing with all eligible players except Ryan. This is a significant accomplishment in MLB, where arbitration can sometimes lead to public disagreements or delayed negotiations that affect team chemistry.
By settling these deals, Minnesota ensures that most of its core roster is locked in heading into spring training, creating stability in both the starting rotation and everyday lineup.
Who Remains Unsettled: Joe Ryan
Joe Ryan, the 27-year-old right-handed starter, remains the lone arbitration-eligible player without a contract agreement. Ryan, who has been one of the Twins’ most dependable pitchers in recent seasons, posted impressive numbers in 2025, anchoring the rotation with a sub-3.50 ERA and a strikeout rate among the top pitchers on the staff.
The stalemate between Ryan and the Twins is reportedly related to valuation disagreements. While Ryan’s camp is seeking compensation reflective of his role as a frontline starter, the Twins are attempting to manage payroll and avoid overcommitting early in the offseason. Arbitration hearings for MLB players can involve salary determinations ranging from modest raises to multimillion-dollar increases, and Ryan’s case could become a high-profile arbitration event if an agreement isn’t reached.
Why This Matters for Minnesota
Securing agreements with all other arbitration-eligible players is a critical step for the Twins as they plan for the 2026 season. Arbitration-eligible players often represent the team’s emerging talent—those who have shown consistent performance but have not yet reached free agency.
Among the players already signed are key contributors to the Twins’ 2025 roster:
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Carlos Correa – shortstop and team leader in clutch situations.
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Luis Arraez – versatile infielder with elite contact-hitting skills.
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Chris Paddack – a rotation mainstay with strikeout upside.
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Jose Miranda – powerful corner infielder capable of changing games with his bat.
By agreeing with these players, Minnesota ensures the core lineup and rotation remain intact, preserving continuity while minimizing uncertainty before spring training 2026.
Joe Ryan: Potential Implications
Ryan’s holdout could have ripple effects for the Twins’ pitching plans. As a top-of-the-rotation starter, his contract situation impacts both the 2026 rotation depth and the team’s flexibility in pursuing free-agent pitchers or making trades.
If negotiations continue without resolution, the situation could escalate to a formal arbitration hearing, typically held during February. At that stage, both Ryan and the Twins would present their cases to an independent arbitrator, who would then determine his 2026 salary. Arbitration outcomes are binding, and the process can add stress for both the player and the team, though it is often resolved without long-term conflict.
For the Twins, avoiding arbitration with other players allows the organization to focus resources on resolving Ryan’s case without distractions elsewhere in the roster.
A Positive Sign for Team Stability
While the Ryan situation remains unresolved, the Twins’ ability to settle with all other arbitration-eligible players reflects strong front-office strategy. By proactively negotiating contracts, Minnesota demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a stable, cohesive roster while still balancing payroll considerations.
This approach is particularly important as the team evaluates potential additions via free agency or trades, including pitchers, outfielders, and bullpen arms. Ensuring that most of the roster is secured allows the front office to plan strategically, rather than reactively, heading into spring training.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The Twins have established a clear path forward:
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Resolve Joe Ryan’s contract situation – either through agreement or arbitration.
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Finalize offseason moves – including free-agent signings and trade acquisitions.
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Prepare for spring training – with a largely settled core roster.
Minnesota fans can take comfort in the fact that the majority of the team is now under contract. The front office has also signaled that it is committed to competitiveness, looking to build on the successes of the 2025 season while addressing roster weaknesses.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Twins’ offseason is off to a strong start, with nearly all arbitration-eligible players signed and ready for the 2026 campaign. While Joe Ryan remains the lone holdout, the situation underscores the importance of valuing top talent while managing payroll strategically.
As arbitration discussions continue, all eyes will be on Ryan and the Twins to see whether a resolution can be reached without a hearing. One thing is certain: with most of the roster secured, Minnesota can now focus on preparing for spring training, strengthening the rotation, and positioning itself for a playoff push in 2026.
