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St. Louis Cardinals to Trade 3 Prospects for Twins’ All-Star Starter

May 17, 2026

The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as one of MLB’s biggest surprises this season, thanks largely to their powerful offense driving the team’s success. Despite low expectations entering the year, the Cardinals are now firmly in contention in both the National League Central and the NL playoff race. Because of that, they could explore adding a true ace to strengthen their starting rotation.

Recently, Zachary Rotman of FanSided.com suggested reveal a trade that would send Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan to St. Louis in exchange for three prospects. Ryan has been viewed as a major trade candidate since earning his first All-Star selection in 2025. However, injuries have limited him this season, potentially giving the Twins even more incentive to consider moving him.

The St. Louis Cardinals haven’t exactly been winning on the heels of their starting staff, and Rotman explains why Joe Ryan could slot in St. Louis’s rotation and give the staff an immediate boost:

Twins' Joe Ryan gets MRI, has lower back inflammation | Reuters

“The Cardinals are winning games thanks mostly to their offense. St. Louis ranks within the top 10 in the majors in runs scored, but who from their rotation do you trust beyond maybe Michael McGreevy?”

“Ryan’s pitching style fits Busch Stadium, and the fact that he’d come with an extra year of club control makes him an even clearer fit. The Cardinals would get him for this season and next, while also earning the right to negotiate an extension with him.”

St. Louis has very few players locked down to guaranteed contracts past this season, so if Chaim Bloom is so pleased, he could trade for Joe Ryan and then trade him.

The players that Rotman believes could be sent to Minnesota in a deal includes: RHP Jurrangelo Cijntje, C Leo Bernal, LHP Ixan Henderson.

Will the St. Louis Cardinals Make a Notable MLB Trade this Summer?

Trade rumors and speculation are still developing, and it remains unclear which players will ultimately become available. Still, given the Cardinals’ unexpected success this season, it makes sense that they could approach the MLB trade deadline as buyers in hopes of making a playoff push.

This marks Chaim Bloom’s first season as the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, and he made significant roster changes during the offseason.

If the asking price is reasonable for certain targets, the Cardinals are expected to at least explore potential deals as the summer progresses. That said, their approach will likely depend on whether they can maintain their strong performance and whether the front office believes the current roster can endure the challenges of the long season. Acquiring a pitcher like Joe Ryan would likely require a substantial return.