If the Minnesota Twins end up moving Joe Ryan this offseason - and that’s still a big “if,” despite his name circulating in trade rumors - they’ll need a contingency plan. And not just a warm body to fill a rotation spot. We’re talking about someone (or someones) who can help soften the blow of losing one of the most consistent arms on their staff.
Enter Edward Cabrera and Brady Singer. Two right-handers, both reportedly available, both with upside, and both potentially gettable without mortgaging the future. If the Twins do pull the trigger on a Ryan trade, these two could be the kind of cost-effective reinforcements that keep the rotation from unraveling.
Let’s break it down.
Edward Cabrera: Electric Stuff, Uneven Results
Cabrera, 27, brings serious heat. He averages 97 mph on two different fastballs - that’s not something you see every day.
The stuff has always been there, but in 2025, he started putting it together in a way that finally matched the hype. He posted a career-high 150 strikeouts, a 2.8 bWAR, and notched his third season with an ERA+ of 111 or better.
That’s a solid indicator that he’s been consistently above league average when he’s on the mound.
And when he’s pitching in Miami, he’s been more than solid - he’s been dominant. In 14 home starts, Cabrera posted a 2.72 ERA and a WHIP just north of 1.09.
That’s frontline material. He kept hitters off balance, limited damage, and flashed the kind of potential that teams dream about developing.
But there’s a flip side.
Away from home, Cabrera’s numbers tell a different story. His road ERA ballooned to 4.63, and his WHIP climbed over 1.40.
That’s a pretty stark contrast, and it raises questions about consistency - or perhaps comfort level - outside of his home park. Then there’s the injury history.
In 2025 alone, Cabrera battled blister issues and a right elbow sprain that sidelined him for most of September. That’s not nothing, especially for a pitcher who relies so heavily on velocity and movement.
Still, Cabrera is under team control for three more years, and that’s a valuable asset. For a team like the Twins, who may be looking to retool without rebuilding, that kind of control - even with some risk - could be worth the gamble.
Brady Singer: A Steady Hand with Experience
Then there’s Brady Singer. At 29, he’s a bit more of a known quantity. He’s not going to light up the radar gun like Cabrera, but he brings a different kind of value: durability, veteran presence, and the ability to eat innings effectively.
Singer is under contract through 2026, so any team trading for him gets at least one full season of control. That makes him a short-term patch with some upside - a bridge, not a cornerstone. But that bridge could be exactly what the Twins need if Ryan walks out the door.
In 2025, Singer put together 15 quality starts and allowed one run or fewer in over a third of his outings. That’s the kind of consistency that managers love. His sinker-heavy approach helps him limit hard contact, and while he doesn’t rack up strikeouts like Cabrera, he knows how to pitch - especially when he’s in rhythm.
Now, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Singer struggled early in his first season with the Reds, posting a 4.32 ERA in the first half.
But he rebounded well, tightening things up with a 3.62 ERA after the All-Star break. That kind of midseason adjustment shows maturity - and bodes well for a pitcher who might have to adapt quickly if traded again.
Could They Replace Joe Ryan?
Let’s not sugarcoat it - losing Joe Ryan would hurt. He’s coming off a season where he posted a 4.5 bWAR and notched 13 wins for a Twins team that didn’t exactly set the league on fire. He’s been a stabilizing force in the rotation and one of the more reliable arms in the AL Central.
But here’s the thing: Cabrera and Singer combined for a 5.9 bWAR in 2025. That’s more than what Ryan delivered on his own.
Of course, it’s not always a clean one-for-one swap. Chemistry, fit, and future potential all play a role.
But from a pure value standpoint, the Twins could do worse than replacing Ryan with a Cabrera-Singer combo.
Cabrera gives you upside. Singer gives you stability. Together, they could offer the kind of depth and versatility that helps Minnesota stay competitive - especially if the front office has other moves up its sleeve.
The Bottom Line
If the Twins decide to move Joe Ryan, they’ll need to act fast to fill the void. Edward Cabrera and Brady Singer aren’t perfect, but they’re intriguing options who could collectively bring back more than they cost. Cabrera offers electric stuff and long-term control, while Singer brings experience and a proven ability to grind through a season.
It’s not a move that would make headlines - but it’s the kind of under-the-radar pivot that could keep the Twins in the hunt, even after parting ways with one of their top arms.