Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan secured a $6.2 million contract, avoiding arbitration, according to reports from Jon heyman of The New York Post.
Avoiding the Arbitration Gauntlet
The Twins and pitcher Joe Ryan reached an agreement, sidestepping a potentially contentious arbitration process.
- Ryan will earn a $6.1 million salary with a $100,000 buyout on a $13 million mutual option for 2027.
- He was one of 18 players who didn’t have a deal in place when the filing deadline passed earlier this month.
- The agreement comes after both Ryan and the Twins filed their respective salary figures for 2026.
- Minnesota has now settled all arbitration cases with its players.
The deal guarantees Ryan $6.2 million for the upcoming season, comprised of a $6.1 million salary and a $100,000 buyout should the Twins decline a $13 million mutual option for 2027. Ryan, entering his second of three arbitration-eligible seasons, earned $3 million last year.Matt Swartz projected a raise to $5.8 million this year, while the Twins initially filed at $5.85 million, and Ryan at $6.35 million-a $500,000 difference.
Many teams employ a “file and trial” strategy, halting negotiations after filing figures to gain leverage. this tactic aims to discourage players from submitting excessively high requests, as an arbitrator can only choose between the team’s or player’s proposed salary, not a compromise. Though, exceptions are frequently enough made for multi-year deals, even with an option year included, offering a path to avoid a hearing while maintaining a semblance of the “file and trial” policy.
Arbitration, while common, can sometimes strain player-team relationships. Corbin Burnes publicly expressed disappointment after his hearing with the Brewers three years ago. Ryan and the Twins avoided such a scenario by reaching a mutually acceptable agreement between their initial filings.
Mutual options are frequently used as accounting tools, shifting a portion of the payment to the season’s end via the buyout. These options are rarely exercised by both parties, but even if declined, Ryan will remain under team control through 2027.
Ryan was subject to trade speculation last summer as the Twins underwent a roster overhaul,trading away several bullpen arms and carlos Correa. While a trade was initially anticipated this offseason, the team has shifted its focus toward contention in 2026.
His relatively affordable contract and strong performance give the Twins confidence he’ll be a key contributor during a potential playoff push in September and October.
With Ryan’s agreement, Minnesota’s arbitration cases are now resolved. Across the league, no more than 15 hearings are now expected this year. Cavalli, Bryce Miller, and Ryan have all recently reached agreements to avoid arbitration.
Here’s a breakdown of the changes and how the questions are answered:
* Why did this happen? The Twins and Joe Ryan reached an agreement to avoid the arbitration process, which can be contentious and strain relationships. The team wants to contend in 2026 and Ryan’s affordability is a factor.
* Who was involved? The Minnesota Twins and pitcher Joe ryan. Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported the agreement.
