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The Tampa Bay Rays were considered one of the frontrunners to land Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers if the left-hander were to be put on the trade block. That scenario came to fruition, but it was the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who ultimately secured the services of the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner.
In exchange for Skubal, the Tigers received three prospects from the Dodgers' farm system: outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-handed pitcher River Ryan, and right-handed pitcher Brady Smith. These players rank as the fifth, seventh, and seventeenth best prospects in Los Angeles' organization, respectively.
With Skubal no longer available, Tampa Bay must pivot to other pitching options. The Rays have been connected to several starters, including Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes of the New York Mets. However, the most logical target is a familiar face: Joe Ryan, who was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 2021 as part of the deal that brought Nelson Cruz to Tampa Bay.
Key Analysis
Ryan would be an ideal fit for the Rays' rotation, which recently lost Shane McClanahan to the injured list with a back issue. While Ryan may not be on Skubal's level, he is a reliable frontline starter who could slot alongside Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Griffin Jax, and a healthy McClanahan. Moreover, Ryan is not a rental; he is under team control through 2027, making him a more attractive long-term investment for a team willing to part with a top prospect.
The Twins, currently contenders in the AL Central, appear to be buyers, but Tampa Bay's deep farm system could entice them. The Rays' No. 1 prospect, Theo Gillen, was not part of Skubal trade discussions and should remain off the table, but the organization has enough talent to craft a compelling offer for Minnesota's ace. The two teams have a history of dealing, as evidenced by last year's trade that sent Taj Bradley to the Twins for Griffin Jax, who has since transitioned from a high-leverage reliever to a starting pitcher.