MLB Insider Confirms Massive $91 Million Ace Blockbuster Trade to Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are quickly approaching a pivotal moment in their 2025 season. With mounting pressure and a thin rotation threatening their hopes of contending in the ultra-competitive American League East, the club finds itself in desperate need of a top-tier starting pitcher. Without reinforcements on the mound, their postseason aspirations may evaporate before summer arrives.

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Orioles should act swiftly and boldly—and he’s proposed a blockbuster trade idea to meet that need. Bowden suggests that Baltimore target Minnesota Twins ace in a major deal that would shake up both franchises. His proposed trade would send the right-hander to Baltimore, with a hefty return going back to Minnesota: left-handed pitching prospect Cade Povich, versatile corner infielder Coby Mayo, and right-hander Michael Forret.

Bowden argues that he could immediately become the ace Baltimore has been missing. The 28-year-old righty has been excellent so far this season, posting a 2.93 ERA with 47 strikeouts across 40 innings pitched. He’s averaging 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings while issuing just 1.1 walks per nine—elite-level command and swing-and-miss stuff. Over his five-year career, Joe Ryan owns a solid 35–28 record with a 3.84 ERA, and in his last 30 starts, he’s been even better with a 3.45 ERA. His fastball and sweeper have both been dominant in 2025, with opposing hitters managing batting averages of only .189 and .192 against them, respectively.

Ryan is under team control through the 2027 season, making him an especially valuable target. He’s not a rental but a long-term piece that could anchor Baltimore’s rotation for multiple playoff pushes. Spotrac projects that Ryan could eventually sign a five-year, $91 million deal in free agency—reasonable for a team looking to maintain financial flexibility while remaining competitive.

Acquiring Ryan, however, wouldn’t come cheap. The Twins would land three high-upside prospects, including Mayo, who is one of Baltimore’s most promising sluggers and a top-50 overall prospect in baseball. Povich, a polished left-hander, and Forret, a promising young arm, would round out a return that reflects Ryan’s considerable value. While losing Mayo and Povich would significantly impact most farm systems, Baltimore’s deep reservoir of talent gives it a unique ability to absorb such a loss.

Still, if the Orioles opt to hold Mayo out of trade discussions—a possibility mentioned in Bowden’s analysis—it could drastically alter any deal for Ryan or take it off the table altogether. However, if the front office is serious about winning now and capitalizing on their competitive window, this is exactly the kind of aggressive move they may have to consider.

In the end, Baltimore’s season may hinge on whether they can land a reliable top-of-the-rotation arm. Joe Ryan could be that difference-maker—and according to analysts like Bowden, the Orioles have the pieces and the incentive to make it happen.