Orioles Trade Rumors: Baltimore Urged to Target Twins All-Star Joe Ryan After Missing Out on Framber Valdez

The Baltimore Orioles entered the offseason hoping to land a true ace to anchor their rotation. For a moment, it looked like Framber Valdez might be the perfect solution — a frontline starter capable of filling the void left by Corbin Burnes. However, after missing out on Valdez, the Orioles now face mounting pressure to pivot quickly and strengthen their pitching staff before the new MLB season begins.

With Spring Training fast approaching, speculation around Baltimore’s next move has intensified. According to FanSided’s Mark Powell, the Orioles could solve multiple problems at once by pursuing a blockbuster trade for Minnesota Twins All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan. Such a move would not only give Baltimore a much-needed ace but could also deliver a psychological blow to one of their American League East rivals.

Orioles Need a New Ace After Framber Valdez Miss

The Orioles’ failure to secure Framber Valdez left a significant gap in their offseason plans. After losing Corbin Burnes, Baltimore has been searching for a dependable top-of-the-rotation arm capable of leading a young and talented roster deep into the postseason.

While the Orioles boast one of the league’s most promising cores of position players and prospects, their starting rotation still lacks a clear long-term ace. Without that stabilizing force, competing in the ultra-competitive AL East becomes far more challenging.

That’s why analysts believe Baltimore must act decisively on the trade market. Rather than settling for mid-rotation depth, the front office could swing big and target a proven All-Star starter like Joe Ryan.

Proposed Orioles-Twins Trade for Joe Ryan

FanSided’s Mark Powell suggests a trade scenario that could benefit both Baltimore and Minnesota while reshaping the Orioles’ rotation. The proposed deal looks like this:

Orioles receive:

• RHP Joe Ryan

Twins receive:

• OF Dylan Beavers

• 3B Coby Mayo

• RHP Trey Gibson

This trade package would require Baltimore to part with significant prospect capital, but it could deliver the kind of frontline starter the team has lacked for years.

Powell argues that the move would be worth the cost, noting that Ryan could become the foundational piece of the Orioles’ pitching staff moving forward.

Why Joe Ryan Makes Sense for Baltimore

Joe Ryan has quietly developed into one of the American League’s most reliable starting pitchers. During the most recent season, he posted impressive numbers:

• 13–10 record

• 3.42 ERA

• 194 strikeouts

• 1.035 WHIP

• 171 innings pitched

These statistics highlight Ryan’s durability, efficiency, and ability to miss bats — all essential traits for a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Adding Ryan to Baltimore’s pitching staff would immediately elevate the rotation. Paired with a breakout season from Trevor Rogers and continued development from younger arms, the Orioles could field one of the more intimidating pitching staffs in the American League.

Ryan’s consistency and control would also provide much-needed stability for a team with postseason aspirations.

Affordable Contract Adds to Trade Appeal

Another key factor that makes Joe Ryan an attractive target for Baltimore is his contract situation. Despite his All-Star-level production, Ryan remains relatively affordable compared to many frontline starters across MLB.

He carries a mutual option for approximately $13 million next season, a figure that would be manageable even after the Orioles increased spending this offseason. For a team balancing financial flexibility with championship ambitions, Ryan’s contract represents significant value.

If Ryan were to thrive in Baltimore and enjoy the environment, there’s also the possibility he would accept that option or even consider a long-term extension. That potential makes him not just a short-term solution but a possible cornerstone for years to come.

What the Twins Would Gain

From Minnesota’s perspective, the proposed trade package offers considerable upside. The Twins would receive three notable prospects who could contribute to both their present and future.

Dylan Beavers, a top-70 overall prospect, is considered close to MLB-ready at just 24 years old. As an outfielder with strong offensive potential, he could eventually step into a major role, especially if the Twins decide to move on from Byron Buxton in the future.

Coby Mayo, once ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball, has experienced some struggles at the MLB level but still possesses significant power and versatility. He can play both first and third base, giving Minnesota flexibility as they reshape their roster.

Trey Gibson represents Baltimore’s best starting pitching prospect in this scenario. His inclusion would help replenish the Twins’ pitching pipeline after losing a frontline starter like Ryan.

While trading an All-Star pitcher is never easy, the return package could accelerate a retooling process for Minnesota and provide multiple long-term assets.

Impact on the AL East and Boston Red Sox

Beyond strengthening their own roster, acquiring Joe Ryan could also impact the broader AL East landscape. The Boston Red Sox reportedly pursued Ryan aggressively at last season’s trade deadline, with some reports even mistakenly suggesting a deal had been completed.

If Baltimore were to land Ryan instead, it would not only improve their rotation but also deny a key target to a division rival. In a tightly contested division where every marginal advantage matters, such a move could carry psychological significance.

The Orioles have already demonstrated a willingness to spend and compete aggressively this offseason. Landing Ryan would further signal that Baltimore is serious about contending immediately rather than waiting for prospects to develop.

Time Is Running Out Before Spring Training

With Spring Training just around the corner, the Orioles cannot afford to wait too long before making their next move. The pitching market is thinning, and competition for impact starters remains high.

If Baltimore truly views itself as a contender in 2026, acquiring a pitcher of Joe Ryan’s caliber could be essential. While the cost in prospects would be steep, the potential reward — a stable ace leading a postseason push — might justify the gamble.

For now, the idea remains speculative, but it’s a scenario that makes strategic sense. By trading for Joe Ryan, the Orioles could address their biggest roster need, strengthen their chances in the AL East, and send a message to the rest of the league.

Whether Baltimore’s front office acts on this opportunity in the coming weeks could define the trajectory of their upcoming season.