The Minnesota Twins are set to retain outfielder Byron Buxton and pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo López as they aim to build for the 2026 season. Team president Derek Falvey has emphasized adding to the roster rather than subtracting further. Reports indicate trades are unlikely unless an overwhelming offer emerges.
Following a rebuild that saw the Twins trade 10 players before the 2025 Trade Deadline, including shortstop Carlos Correa, the team entered the offseason with Buxton, Ryan and López as potential trade candidates. However, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Twins plan to hold onto these key players and construct around them for 2026.
Derek Falvey, team president of baseball and business operations, has repeatedly stated his intention is to add to the roster, not subtract. Sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand last month that the Twins believe they can compete in the AL Central with winter additions, making trades of Buxton, Ryan or López improbable without an exceptional proposal.
Buxton, 31, enjoyed a standout 2025 season, hitting 35 home runs in 126 games for his second All-Star selection and some MVP votes. He has three years and $45 million left on his contract, with a full no-trade clause through 2026, and prefers to stay in Minnesota. Ryan, a first-time All-Star in 2025, posted a 3.42 ERA with 194 strikeouts and 39 walks over 171 innings; the 29-year-old has two years of club control through 2027 arbitration eligibility. López, also 29, was limited to 75 2/3 innings by injuries but maintained a 2.74 ERA; he has $43.5 million remaining on a four-year, $73.5 million extension through 2027, averaging 202 strikeouts and 186 1/3 innings from 2022-24.
The Twins discussed Ryan with teams like the Red Sox at the deadline, but no deal materialized. Rival clubs may continue pursuing the trio, but the Twins are focused on acquiring relief pitchers, a first baseman and middle infield defense improvements during the Winter Meetings.