MINNEAPOLIS -- In an expected decision, the Twins have declined their side of Joe Ryan’s $13 million mutual contract option for 2027, a source told MLB.com on Monday. That means that Ryan’s salary for the upcoming season will be determined via the arbitration process.
The move, which the club has not confirmed, does not make Ryan a free agent. He remains under club control for one more season, after which he would be eligible for free agency.
Last winter, Ryan and the Twins did not reach agreement on a contract prior to the exchange of arbitration figures. Minnesota has a club policy not to agree to a one-year contract once figures have been exchanged. By agreeing to the mutual option on top of Ryan’s $6.2 million 2026 salary, the parties were able to avoid an arbitration hearing while also sticking to the policy.
Ryan went 7-10 with a 3.79 ERA, 159 strikeouts and 31 walks in 27 starts (144 2/3 innings) in 2026. He will likely receive a raise via the arbitration process for 2027.
Minnesota also declined its side of a $10 million mutual option for designated hitter Josh Bell, making him a free agent.