The Minnesota Twins nearly traded Joe Ryan at the MLB trade deadline.
In fact, a widely circulated report indicated that they did trade him to the Boston Red Sox. But that proved to be inaccurate, and the right-handed starting pitcher finished out the year with Minnesota.
But the offseason is here now, and it's another chance for Ryan to be moved.
ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel wrote Tuesday that the chances Ryan is traded this offseason are at 50%.
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The Red Sox are the top landing spot they list, followed by the New York Mets. Others suggested as possible destinations are the Orioles, Rangers, Giants and Astros.
"For all the rumors about Ryan at the trade deadline, the Twins never came close to finalizing a deal," the ESPN duo writes. "If the cost remains high for free agent pitching, teams could turn to trades to fill their rotation holes, at which point Minnesota again would be a match for just about anyone. Having three of the eight best trade candidates is a good place to start a rebuild."
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The Twins did trade away a bunch of pieces at the deadline. And now there are also rumors about dealing Byron Buxton this offseason.
Minnesota likely needs to commit to a path. If Ryan goes, maybe Buxton should, too. But if one is going to stay, maybe both should stay.
It's not an easy situation for the Twins to navigate, but it's the spot they find themselves in. Other teams are waiting to see if they can be the beneficiary of a Minnesota fire sale.
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