Joe Ryan, Twins Settle to Avoid Arbitration
Joe Ryan and the Minnesota Twins have successfully negotiated a new contract, successfully avoiding arbitration. According to sources, Ryan’s agreement is valued at $6.2 million, which includes a $6.1 million salary for the upcoming season and a $100,000 buyout associated with a mutual option for 2027.
Overview of Joe Ryan’s Arbitration Situation
Ryan is entering his second year of three in arbitration eligibility. Last season, he earned $3 million. Projections indicated he would receive a raise this year, with MLB Trade Rumors contributor Matt Swartz estimating around $5.8 million. The Twins initially filed for $5.85 million, while Ryan sought $6.35 million, creating a $500,000 gap between the two parties.
Avoiding Arbitration Hearings
Many teams typically employ a “file and trial” strategy post-filing deadline, which means they cease negotiations for one-year contracts. This approach helps teams maintain leverage during pre-deadline discussions and avoids inflated demands during arbitration. In these hearings, arbitrators only choose between the team’s or player’s proposed figures, without considering a midpoint.
Despite the commonality of arbitration hearings, they can sometimes strain the relationships between players and teams. Joe Ryan and the Twins sidestepped any potential discord by settling on a figure that fits neatly between their original offers.
Future Considerations for Joe Ryan
The mutual option included in Ryan’s contract is often viewed as an accounting measure. It allows for part of the payment to be deferred, but such options are seldom exercised by both parties. If the mutual option is declined, Ryan will remain under the Twins’ control through 2027.
Last summer, Ryan was the subject of trade rumors as the team underwent significant changes, including the sale of several bullpen players and Carlos Correa. While it was initially anticipated that he might be traded this winter, the Twins are now focused on re-establishing their competitive status for the 2026 season.
Team and League Updates
With Joe Ryan’s contract settled, the Twins’ arbitration class has now concluded. The league as a whole had 18 players without agreements as of the deadline. Following Ryan’s deal, teams have settled agreements with Cade Cavalli and Bryce Miller, reducing the potential number of arbitration hearings to no more than 15 this year.
