As the 2026 season approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to build on their strong pitching lineup, which includes stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto fresh off his World Series success. With talent already abundant, the Dodgers are reportedly planning to enhance their rotation further by pursuing a trade for Joe Ryan, the Minnesota Twins‘ promising starting pitcher.
The Dodgers’ rotation currently features big names including Ohtani, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Rori Sasaki, with a plan to deploy a six-man rotation to provide depth throughout the season. This strategy was highlighted in a recent update from Bill Plunkett on X, signaling the Dodgers’ intent to maintain a deep and versatile pitching staff.
Dave Roberts confirmed #Dodgers are likely to run with a 6-man rotation again: “I think early, it’s hard to say it won’t be.
?Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Integrating Joe Ryan would give the Dodgers six formidable starters, reinforcing their commitment to a dominant pitching roster that can withstand the rigors of a long season.
Assessing the Need for Joe Ryan in Los Angeles
While the Dodgers already possess an impressive group of starting pitchers, the acquisition of Joe Ryan would serve as a strategic safeguard rather than an absolute necessity. Injuries have already affected Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow’s ability to pitch a full season remains uncertain. Additionally, the Dodgers carefully managed Ohtani’s workload last year to preserve his health.
Joe Ryan demonstrated solid performance with the Twins in 2025, posting a 3.42 earned run average over 31 appearances and earning his first All-Star selection. His career-high 171 innings pitched and impressive 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings rate highlight his potential to make a key contribution to the Dodgers’ rotation.
Importantly, the Dodgers possess ample talent to offer a competitive trade package without jeopardizing their future, making Ryan an attractive addition to their already deep roster.
Potential Trade Package from Dodgers for Joe Ryan
The Dodgers could offer their No. 2 prospect, outfielder Zyhir Hope, as a centerpiece in trade discussions with the Twins. Hope, 21, has shown significant physical development and raw power, making him a promising candidate for the Twins’ rebuilding efforts.
Hope has added significant muscle since turning pro, is built like a running back and possesses well above-average raw power from the left side of the plate,
MLB.com noted.
His bat speed and strength produce high-end exit velocities. And he has no trouble driving balls in the air to his pull side. He executes good swing decisions as well. But (he) swings and misses at strikes much more than he should, especially at the top and bottom of the zone.
Alongside Hope, the Dodgers would likely need to include a pitching prospect. Jackson Ferris, a 22-year-old left-hander, is a plausible candidate due to his high ceiling despite some mechanical hurdles.
Ferris doesn’t always keep his complicated mechanics in sync, which costs him control and command,
MLB.com reported.
But he does have the athleticism to make them work. And they do create deception. Adding strength to his projectable 6-foot-4 frame could add some needed power to his breaking balls and help him do a better job of locating his pitches more consistently. He has frontline-starter ceiling and resembles Blake Snell at the same stage of their careers, albeit with better stuff and a cleaner delivery.
The Twins would thus receive a promising outfielder and a potential frontline starting pitcher to aid their long-term rebuild. While shortstop Alex Freeland, 24, might be another possibility to include, it may be excessive to involve him in this trade.
The most balanced offer could involve just Hope and Ferris in exchange for Ryan, meeting the Dodgers’ desire to strengthen their rotation now while providing the Twins with players who fit their development goals.
Looking Ahead: Dodgers’ Path Forward with Reinforced Rotation
If the Dodgers secure Joe Ryan, their rotation depth will become a formidable obstacle for opposing teams throughout the upcoming season. This might translate into a near 100-win pace or, at the very least, a strong push deep into October as they seek a third consecutive championship.
While rivals like the Blue Jays posed challenges last year, ultimately, key moments swung the Dodgers’ way, underscoring the importance of a deep and reliable pitching staff heading into the future.
With Ryan joining a rotation led by Ohtani, Yamamoto, and others, the Dodgers will be well-positioned to withstand injuries and the demands of a lengthy season, pursuing sustained success in Major League Baseball.
Dave Roberts confirmed #Dodgers are likely to run with a 6-man rotation again: "I think early, it's hard to say it won't be. How beholden we are to that, for how long, I don't know. …" 1/3
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 13, 2026
