The Los Angeles Dodgers had themselves a strong offseason after winning their second consecutive World Series championship. Because of this, they are once again being viewed among the best teams entering the 2026 season.
When looking at the moves the Dodgers made this offseason, it is easy to understand why they are expected to be a top team once again in 2026. They most notably landed this winter’s top free agent, as they signed star slugger Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. Tucker is not the only notable player the Dodgers brought in, though, as they also signed star closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract in free agency.
Given the additions that the Dodgers made this offseason, it is hard not to feel optimistic about their chances in 2026. While this is the case, the Dodgers have also shown that they are never afraid of taking a big swing when it comes to their roster. Because of this, they are now being linked to one of baseball’s top trade candidates heading into the 2026 season.
Dodgers Named Potential Trade Destination for Twins Star Pitcher Joe Ryan
In a recent article for CBS Sports, Mike Axisa took a look at a handful of early trade candidates for this year’s deadline and listed a few potential suitors for them. Among the players whom Axisa discussed was Minnesota Twins star pitcher Joe Ryan.
“Perhaps Bailey Ober is the more likely trade candidate given the potentially lower asking price (Pablo López is no longer a trade candidate given his elbow injury), but frankly, I think both could be moved. Ryan has two years of control remaining, same as Ober, though he is the better pitcher and more attractive target. Squint your eyes and you can see the Twins staying in the postseason race deep into the season. I think it’s more likely Ryan (and Ober and Ryan Jeffers) is firmly on the trade block come July,” Axisa wrote.
Seeing Axisa list Ryan as a top trade candidate is not surprising, as he has been in the rumor mill for a while now. Furthermore, when it came to predicting potential landing spots for Ryan, Axisa listed the Dodgers as the first team.
When looking at the Dodgers’ current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another impactful starter like Ryan. If they landed him, he would undoubtedly make their rotation even stronger. He would make the Dodgers even more difficult to beat because of it.
Dodgers Will Have Competition to Land Ryan
With Ryan being a star pitcher, there is no question that several teams looking to improve their rotations will pursue him this season. Because of this, if the Dodgers try to land him, they will have plenty of competition in the sweepstakes.
Ryan is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Twins. In 31 games for the AL Central club, he had a 13-10 record, a 3.42 ERA, and a career-high 194 strikeouts. With numbers like these, he would be a major pickup for any team needing pitching help.
It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers can end up swinging a trade for Ryan this season. On paper, the fit looks excellent.
Dodgers Linked to All-Star Pitcher in Potential Trade