24 Comments
User's avatar
Dan's avatar

Im assuming we are using the term “ace” very loosely here because Ryan is not an ace

Joel's avatar

You took the words right out of my mouth. He's a very good pitcher, not more than that. It's a tough call. Tong's stuff is fantastic, ceiling very high. But with Ryan you know you're getting quality. If the Twins ask for more, I'd say no, unless it's a throw-in. Tong's delivery makes me think he's an injury waiting to happen. If I were Stearns, I'd bite on this one.

Paul O’Connell's avatar

I mean the question is do you think Tong would give you more then 2 years of #2 pitcher results, if it’s more then it’s a losing trade asset wise. It’s very possible he’s ready for the bigs by mid season or the stretch run. Having a young #2 or #3 pitcher for 1 million is so valuable for a team like the Mets that could take the money they’re saving and sign a top tier free agent

Joel's avatar

You could be right. But I'd argue that the future is now.

Joel's avatar

In any trade for quality, we're going to have to give up someone who it hurts to lose. Btw, not only is there no "guarantee" (shake my head) that the Tigers are willing to trade Skubal, there's not a whiff of a hint they are. They're contenders and they have a fan base just like we do.

Ed Pierson's avatar

Is Ryan an ace? I see the numbers, but is he an ace?

Joel's avatar

Good, not great. But we'd have him for two years and he's a pretty safe bet. You wouldn't do it?

harvey's avatar

The problem, if there really is one, about trading Jonah Tong is that they brought him up last season and the fans liked him and his story. If he had stayed in the minors, I don't think fandom would care about moving him, but now? Not that Stearns should care much about fan reaction to a move he thinks is a plus for the team in the short and long term. That being said, I would like to keep Jonah, he may actually be ready to contribute later in 2026.

Dean's avatar

From MLB.com: According to a report on Friday by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Twins are planning to hold on to Buxton, Ryan and López and build around them for 2026.

Dean's avatar

According to various Twins sites, Ryan nor Buxton is being traded. They want to build around them.

Joel's avatar

https://x.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1996978909511143500

Looks like Buster Olney has thrown a log on the Skubal fire. I'd only do it if he'd sign an extension and I wouldn't include McLean. Tiger fans would go nuts.

Steve1962's avatar

Why not just sign two free agent starters, such as Imai, King, Valez and/or Suarez. I'd rather give up the draft picks than advanced players in our system.

Dallas's avatar

Ryan pitches in the AL Central. I think that is quite relevant. He is good but he is not an ace.

David Peterson had a higher fWAR last year than Ryan. Would you trade Tong for two years of Peterson?

Its seems insane to give up on a top prospect because he "struggled" in a few starts being 22 and basically skipping AAA.

Joel's avatar

I just checked and Peterson's fWAR was identical to Ryan's.

Joel's avatar

I admit I'd never have guessed that Peterson's fWAR would be higher. I have to add that Ryan's bWAR is far far higher than Peterson's. Until he folded his tent, he was excellent and I was hoping Stearns could extend him. I'm hoping it was only because he reached the limit of his workload. I'd certainly trade Tong for the pre-collapse Peterson. Being willing to trade a blue chip prospect doesn't mean you're giving up on him, it means you think that you're getting in return is worth it. There's no insanity involved here!

Peter Mat's avatar

I'm all in on Ryan. McClean is untouchable for anyone. If it is for Tong so be it.

harvey's avatar

Let's make it a really big deal and make it Ryan AND Buxton. I can see Tong included in that.

Peter Mat's avatar

Buxton when healthy would be a terrific addition. I'd also be happy with Bader, and since Vientos is not a solution at 3B, maybe with some work could be a serviceable LF option. He does possess a pretty live arm

Joel's avatar

Whole lotta work!

Joel's avatar

He's a dh or maybe first baseman. Btw, I wouldn't give him away for nothing .

harvey's avatar

If Vientos goes, I think it would be as part of a package - not an even swap

Joel's avatar

That's possible. Of course if Buxton reverts to his chronically injured self, the Mets will have a lot of egg on their faces. I'd rather sign Tucker.

harvey's avatar

With Buxton they still need a LF

Joel's avatar

Tucker in left, Taylor/benge/acuna in center. Sign Alonso and you've got a badass lineup.