The New York Yankees are heading into the 2026 season with high expectations. It is understandable, as they have plenty of talent and should be one of the top teams in the American League because of it.
The Yankees also made some moves during the offseason that should benefit them. The American League East club most notably re-signed star slugger Cody Bellinger to a five-year contract. They also re-signed multiple other players from last season’s roster, which include Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Goldschmidt, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn. They also acquired pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins.
While the Yankees made some moves during the winter, it is clear that they should be looking to boost their roster this season. One of their biggest needs is another star pitcher in their rotation. Due to this, they are now being linked to a notable trade candidate with the regular season almost here.
Yankees Listed as Potential Landing Spot for Twins Star Pitcher Joe Ryan
In a recent article for CBS Sports, Mike Axisa took a look at several players who could end up being moved by the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Among the players mentioned was Minnesota Twins star pitcher Joe Ryan. This is understandable, as he was a popular name in the rumor mill this winter.
“Who would have guessed Ryan would still be with the Twins when spring training opened given all the trade chatter last summer and over the winter? 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,” Axisa wrote.
Axisa then named a few potential landing spots for Ryan this season, and the Yankees were one of them.
The Yankees being viewed as a potential trade destination for Ryan is understandable. Their rotation is dealing with injury trouble, and Ryan would certainly be a strong fit in the front half of it. Furthermore, with the Yankees having the goal of winning their first World Series championship since 2009, they are in a position to make a bold move for a star pitcher like Ryan.
Ryan is also very affordable for all he provides on the mound, as he has a $6.1 million salary for the 2026 campaign. This undoubtedly adds to his appeal and makes him a very realistic target for a team like the Yankees.
Yankees Are Due for a Big Move
While the Yankees brought back multiple of their players this offseason, it is clear that they are still due for a big move. With the Yankees being in the incredibly competitive AL East, they should be working hard to bring in a high-impact pitcher to their roster. Landing a starter coming off an All-Star campaign like Ryan would provide them with just that.
In 31 games this past season with the Twins, Ryan had a 13-10 record, a 3.42 ERA, and 194 strikeouts. With numbers like these, he would be a very good pickup for the Yankees.
Yankees Linked to Potential Trade for $6.1M Star Pitcher