Twins, Pitcher Joe Ryan Agree to New Contract

Deal avoids arbitration hearing for 29-year-old right-hander

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Minnesota Twins and starting pitcher Joe Ryan have agreed to a new contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The deal is worth $6.2 million for the 2026 season with a mutual option in 2027 worth $13 million.

Why it matters

Ryan has emerged as a key part of the Twins' starting rotation, posting a career-best 3.42 ERA in 2026. Avoiding arbitration allows the team to lock in his services for the next two seasons as they look to contend in the AL Central.

The details

The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 13-10 record (30 starts) in 2026 along with logging a career best 3.42 earned run average (ERA) with 194 strikeouts in a career-high 171 innings pitched. Since breaking into the big leagues in 2021, Ryan has pitched in 115 games with 114 starts while recording a record of 46-36 and a 3.79 career ERA over 641 1/3 innings pitched with 719 strikeouts.

  • The new deal is worth $6.2 million for the 2026 season with a mutual option in 2027 worth $13 million.
  • Ryans and the rest of Minnesota's pitchers and catchers will report to Fort Myers, Fla. for Spring Training on Thursday, February 12.
  • The first full squad workout of Spring Training is scheduled for Monday, February 16.

The players

Joe Ryan

A 29-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.

Minnesota Twins

A Major League Baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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The takeaway

By locking up Ryan on a new contract, the Twins have secured the services of a key member of their starting rotation as they look to build on their success and compete for a division title in 2026.