The Atlanta Braves are eyeing a promising season ahead, but there's a catch-they need starting pitching. Injuries have left their rotation thin, and that's where Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan comes into play as a potential solution.
After a tough 2025 season, the Braves made a significant change by bringing in Walt Weiss as manager. Now, they're looking to bolster their roster for 2026, and acquiring Ryan could be a game-changer. Injuries have sidelined key starters, making Ryan's reliable arm a valuable asset.
To entice the Twins, the Braves would likely offer shortstop Alex Lodise. At just 21, Lodise is a promising talent with solid hitting skills and potential for growth. While his pro debut saw him slash .252/.294/.398 at High-A Rome, his college days at Florida State were impressive, boasting 17 home runs and an ACC Player of the Year title.
However, Lodise isn't without his challenges. His strikeout rate is a concern, with 42 strikeouts in 109 plate appearances, highlighting an area for improvement. Yet, his potential makes him a key piece in this trade scenario, aligning with the Braves' immediate goals even if it means compromising future depth.
Alongside Lodise, the Braves would send right-handed pitcher JR Ritchie to Minnesota. At 22, Ritchie has shown promise in the minors, despite a Tommy John surgery in 2023. Last year, he logged 140 innings and demonstrated his readiness for higher competition.
Ritchie's preparation and routine have earned praise, and his mindset is focused and steady, as he navigates his role in Triple-A and beyond. His addition would provide the Twins with a promising arm to develop.
The Braves' urgency is driven by injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, both dealing with elbow issues. Schwellenbach was expected to be a top starter, and Waldrep's potential role in the rotation was also affected.
Manager Walt Weiss acknowledges the unpredictable nature of injuries, emphasizing resilience and the need to adapt. The Braves are banking on Spencer Strider to recapture his 2023 form, and if they add Ryan to the mix, their rotation could be formidable.
Ryan, who posted a 3.42 ERA in 31 appearances last season and earned his first All-Star nod, brings significant value. His 10.2 K/9 rate adds to his allure as a trade target. While the Twins are in a rebuilding phase, they must weigh Ryan's limited contract through 2027 against the potential benefits of a trade.
With a strong farm system, the Twins have options to support their major-league roster. As both teams consider their future, this potential trade could be pivotal for the Braves' 2026 aspirations.