Braves Reportedly Eyeing Trade for Twins' All-Star Starter Joe Ryan

Atlanta could land the 29-year-old righty by offering a package centered around prospects Grant Holmes and Nacho Alvarez Jr.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:22pm

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly emerging as a top trade destination for Minnesota Twins' All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan. Several MLB media outlets have speculated that the Braves could land Ryan by offering a package including pitching prospect Grant Holmes and infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. Ryan, 29, is coming off an All-Star season in 2025 where he posted a 13-10 record and 3.42 ERA.

Why it matters

The Braves' starting rotation has been a question mark heading into the 2026 season, making Ryan an appealing trade target to bolster their staff alongside Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. Acquiring Ryan could give Atlanta one of the deepest rotations in baseball as they look to make another World Series run.

The details

According to reports, the Braves could put together a trade package centered around pitching prospect Grant Holmes and infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. to acquire Ryan from the Twins. The Twins may also request an additional prospect in return. Ryan, 29, is coming off an All-Star campaign in 2025 where he struck out 194 batters in 171 innings pitched.

  • Joe Ryan was not traded at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, leading to speculation he could be moved this summer.
  • The Braves are off to a 4-2 start in 2026, but their starting rotation remains a question mark heading into the season.

The players

Joe Ryan

A 29-year-old All-Star starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who posted a 13-10 record and 3.42 ERA in 2025.

Grant Holmes

A pitching prospect in the Braves' farm system who could be included in a trade package for Ryan.

Nacho Alvarez Jr.

A young infielder in the Braves' system who could also be part of a trade offer for Ryan.

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What they’re saying

“Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins was an All-Star last season and finished the year with a 13-10 record alongside his 3.42 ERA. The 29-year-old righty struck out 194 batters in 171 innings, displaying how explosive his stuff can be.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided Writer

“You also get the sense that there's more to unlock with Ryan. His command is obviously excellent. His stuff is so good that Stuff+ rated it on par with that of Dylan Cease last season. This is how you get that much surplus value. If you're the Twins, that's your ticket to a huge haul that could help fast-forward the rebuild.”

— Zachary D. Rymer, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

If the Twins decide to trade Ryan before the 2026 MLB trade deadline, the Braves are expected to be one of the top suitors for the All-Star starter. The two teams would need to agree on a prospect package that could include Holmes, Alvarez Jr., and potentially another young talent from Atlanta's farm system.

The takeaway

Acquiring Joe Ryan would give the Braves one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball as they look to make another World Series run. While the Braves' offense has carried them early in 2026, shoring up the starting pitching remains a priority, making Ryan an appealing trade target.