The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as one of the most surprising teams in Major League Baseball during the 2026 season, exceeding preseason expectations and putting themselves firmly in the mix within the National League Central race. While much of their success has been driven by an explosive offense that ranks among the league’s top scoring units, questions still remain about whether their pitching staff is strong enough to sustain a deep postseason push.
Because of that uncertainty, speculation has already begun linking St. Louis to potential upgrades ahead of the trade deadline most notably a move for Minnesota Twins All-Star starter Joe Ryan.
According to a recent proposal from FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, the Cardinals could explore a trade that would bring Ryan to St. Louis in exchange for a package of three prospects. Ryan, who earned an All-Star selection in 2025, has long been viewed as one of the more attractive trade candidates in baseball due to his upside, durability when healthy, and team control. However, his value has become more complicated this season after injuries have limited his availability.
Despite that, his talent and track record still make him an appealing target for pitching-needy contenders.
Rotman emphasized that while the Cardinals’ offense has carried much of the load this year, their rotation lacks a true reliable ace beyond a few emerging arms like Michael McGreevy. That imbalance could become a major issue as the season progresses, especially in a competitive division where pitching depth often decides playoff positioning.
A move for Ryan would immediately address that concern. His pitching profile is seen as a strong fit for Busch Stadium, and his remaining club control adds even more appeal for St. Louis, giving them not only a short-term boost but also potential long-term stability. In addition, acquiring him would give the Cardinals flexibility to either extend him or use him as a cornerstone piece for future roster planning.
The proposed return for Minnesota would likely include a package centered around prospects such as right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje, catcher Leo Bernal, and left-hander Ixan Henderson—an offer that reflects both Ryan’s value and his injury-related uncertainty.
Still, whether St. Louis ultimately makes a significant move will depend heavily on how the next stretch of the season unfolds. First-year president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has already reshaped much of the roster, and the front office will need to decide if this current group is capable of contending deep into the summer or if an aggressive deadline approach is warranted.
If the Cardinals continue their winning form, a trade for a high-end starter like Joe Ryan could become one of the defining moves of their season.
Leave a Reply