Cubs trade deadline plans turned upside down thanks to Twins-Blue Jays trade

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan should be one of the prime targets for the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Ryan is a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher under control beyond this season. In other words, the very thing the Cubs should be looking for this summer.

Beyond the hiccup of trying to place value on Ryan's control, considering the 2027 season appears likely to be cut short, the Twins remain in contention. The Twins entered Friday two games under .500, but only two games off of first place in the American League Central. The Twins are also right there in the wild-card conversation, one game out of the final spot.

Given the parity that has existed in the American League this season, the Twins becoming sellers at the deadline was never a sure thing. In fact, early impressions are the Twins will be buyers ahead of the deadline. The Twins have traded for Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Tommy Nance.

Nance, a former Cub, is the type of relief pitcher Jed Hoyer and Co. are also shopping for before the deadline. Under control through the 2029 season, Nance sports an ERA of 3.82 across 32 appearances this season. Sprock, a catcher drafted just last season by the Blue Jays, is carrying an OPS of .855 in his first full professional season.

In other words, it's a reminder that a relief pitcher with control still has value. That may not be terrible news for the Cubs, considering their farm system is rich with talented prospects at the lower levels.

Twins becoming buyers would leave the Cubs with no path to Joe Ryan

Circumstances can still change before the deadline, but the impression from the deal is that the Twins don't plan on subtracting before the deadline. That does match the messaging the Twins have been putting out before Friday's trade.

It's an early indication of one hurdle that could be in the Cubs way ahead of the deadline. It may take up to 24-48 hours before the deadline for teams to clearly identify as sellers or buyers. That doesn't mean there won't be trade opportunities for the Cubs, there always are, but the larger moves may not have enough time remaining to be finalized.

The Cubs will need to be creative as they address their needs at the deadline, and that could mean an unconventional trade between buyers. Though, to be the clear, there shouldn't be the expectation of the Cubs landing someone like Ryan in that type of trade.

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