With injuries decimating the rotation, the Mets are strongly linked to Twins ace Joe Ryan, a controllable, top‑tier starter who can stabilize their postseason push.
After reaching the NLCS in 2024 and signing Juan Soto, the expectations in Queens have never been higher. But in 2025, the Mets’ rotation has been far from expectations. Kodai Senga hasn’t pitched, Sean Manaea hasn’t returned, and Tylor Megill is out for the season. That leaves Max Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco, and Sean Reid-Foley as the core, solid but not world-class. The need for reinforcements is urgent as the Mets sit 53‑39 atop the NL East, and they’re already eyeing upgrades ahead of July 31.
Joe Ryan Fits the Blueprint
Minnesota’s 2025 All‑Star right-hander Joe Ryan has emerged as a top trade target. He’s posted a 2.72 ERA through 109.1 innings with 121 strikeouts and a sub‑1.00 WHIP, earning an All‑Star nod in the process. More importantly, he’s under team control through 2028—a rare blend of elite performance and long-term value.
Reports suggest the Twins would demand a steep package—potentially a MLB-ready starter like Frankie Montas, infielder Mark Vientos, and top prospect Carson Benge, plus another arm. That kind of haul reflects Ryan’s value as both a 2025 asset and a future rotation pillar.
That’s just the Joe Ryan Experience, baby! pic.twitter.com/tnrKUHrunT
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 16, 2025
Why the Mets Should Pay Up
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Rotation boost with control – Ryan slots in immediately and won’t vacate after 2025.
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Postseason stability – The Mets need another high-quality starter to solidify a playoff rotation.
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Clear strategic fit – If they want more than a Wild Card, adding Ryan signals a championship push.
Potential Downsides
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High cost – Losing multiple contributors could deplete depth or minor-league talent.
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Market competition – Boston and New York Yankees may bid, raising the price.
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Health/inconsistency risk – Ryan’s 2025 surge is great, but Minnesota may still gamble on his long-term consistency.
Trade Targets Recap
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Joe Ryan (RHP, Twins) – All-Star, 2.72 ERA, 121 K in 109 IP; team control through 2028
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Likely return package: Frankie Montas (MLB starter), Mark Vientos (INF), Carson Benge (top prospect), plus depth arm
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Other Mets rotation options: Merrill Kelly (D‑Backs), Zac Gallen (D‑Backs), overseas reliever pickups
19. Carson Benge (NYM): A
A+/AA – 73 G
.302/.422/.485/.907
168 wRC+
16.0 BB% / 17.8 K%Benge has looked like an elite hitter in the minors between A+ and AA this season. His plate control is phenomenal and he has 32 XBH in 73 games. pic.twitter.com/JEKX9Cy3P9
— Data Driven Stats (@mlb_advanced3) July 14, 2025
The Mets already boast one of baseball’s most fearsome offenses. Now they must shore up pitching to match. Joe Ryan brings the kind of cost-controlled excellence that makes a playoff rotation formidable. Queens is building for now, but Ryan makes sure it’s not just for this year.
