Story by
Why Dodgers Trading for Twins’ Ace Ryan Makes Sense
- Story by
- Why Dodgers Trading for Twins’ Ace Ryan Makes Sense
(© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers must turn their National League Championship Series disappointment into a more balanced roster for 2027.
The Milwaukee Brewers ended their three-peat pursuit with a four-game sweep, leaving Los Angeles to prepare for another World Series chase.
Advertisement
One hypothetical trade proposal could address uncertainty within the starting rotation.
A trade that makes sense for Dodgers
The Dodgers should offer right-handed pitching prospect Christian Zazueta and catcher Hunter Feduccia to the Minnesota Twins for Joe Ryan.
That framework would address Minnesota's roster more effectively than a package centered around another outfielder. The Twins face uncertainty at catcher and have a crowded rotation that includes four established starters eligible for free agency after 2027.
Zazueta would serve as the centerpiece. He ranked No. 35 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 in September, making the proposed deal a considerable investment in Ryan, who remains under team control through 2027.
Advertisement
Feduccia would provide Minnesota with an immediate catching option. However, the Twins should consider him part of their solution rather than automatically treating him as an everyday replacement.
The package would give Minnesota assistance for 2027 and a pitching prospect capable of extending the value of its return.
The Twins plan to increase payroll and compete in 2027. Their motivation for considering the trade would therefore be acquiring useful talent rather than merely reducing expenses.
Los Angeles would also need to evaluate its catching depth before including Feduccia. Dalton Rushing's right elbow injury complicated the position during 2026, making his long-term readiness behind the plate an important factor in any negotiations.
Advertisement
Ryan would address a different concern. With Tarik Skubal' free agency , the Dodgers should examine alternatives instead of assuming their rotation will return intact.
Los Angeles was connected to Ryan before the trade deadline. The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 3.79 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 144.2 innings over 27 starts with 159 strikeouts this season.
Those numbers justify considering him as a rotation upgrade. However, his health during the second half of the season and his performance struggles require a comprehensive evaluation.
The Dodgers should make the offer only if their medical review supports the investment. Minnesota would also need to believe Zazueta's upside justifies surrendering an established starter.
Advertisement
Ryan's upside
Ryan would give Los Angeles another experienced pitcher capable of handling a regular rotation assignment. His ability to miss bats would complement the Dodgers' existing options and reduce the pressure created if Skubal signs elsewhere.
Acquiring him would also give the team greater flexibility. Los Angeles would not need every returning starter to remain healthy or immediately perform at his best.
The proposed cost is significant because Zazueta could become an important pitcher, while Feduccia provides needed catching depth. Ryan's team control, experience and ability to generate strikeouts nevertheless make that risk worth exploring.
The Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 and 2025 and should carry the same ambition into this offseason. Adding Ryan would keep that pursuit focused on reclaiming the World Series in 2027.
