Twins Decline Mutual Option on Pitcher Joe Ryan

The team will pay a $100,000 buyout to pitcher Joe Ryan while the player remains eligible for arbitration.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Minnesota Twins pitcher in a navy and red jersey delivering a fastball. — The Minnesota Twins declined their $13 million mutual option on pitcher Joe Ryan, triggering a $100,000 buyout and initiating the arbitration process. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support the Twins' decision to decline the mutual option on player Joe Ryan?

The Minnesota Twins have officially declined their $13 million mutual option for starting pitcher Joe Ryan for the 2027 season. Ryan, who made 27 starts in 2026, will now enter the arbitration process as he seeks a new contract for the upcoming year.

Why it matters

Declining the mutual option allows the organization to navigate the team payroll while keeping the pitcher within the club's control for the 2027 season. This move transitions Ryan into the arbitration process to determine his salary, rather than honoring the fixed option established in January 2026.

Joe Ryan recorded a 3.79 ERA over 27 starts during the 2026 season. Projections estimate his salary through arbitration for 2027 will fall between $9 million and $10 million.

The players

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Minneapolis that competes in the American League Central division.

Joe Ryan

Joe Ryan is a professional baseball pitcher who has served as a starting rotation member for the Minnesota Twins since 2021.

The details

The decision to decline the option triggers a $100,000 buyout for the pitcher. Ryan remains arbitration-eligible for the 2027 campaign following his performance last year.

January 2026: The original mutual option agreement was signed.
2026 season: Joe Ryan made 27 starts with a 3.79 ERA.
October 30, 2026: The Twins declined the 2027 mutual option.

Season Trajectory

This move signals a strategic shift in how the club manages its starting rotation payroll relative to the competitive landscape of the American League. By moving to arbitration, the team retains the flexibility to manage its roster budget while keeping a key arm under contract.

Ryan moves from a fixed salary environment to the arbitration process, which will determine his final compensation for the 2027 campaign. This change ensures he remains a primary rotation option for the organization throughout the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Players and front offices frequently use mutual options to set baseline expectations, but teams often look to arbitration to better calibrate salaries to recent performance metrics. Baseball fans should monitor the upcoming arbitration hearings to see how the projected $9 million to $10 million figure is ultimately settled.