An All-Star appearance at Cape Cod League All-Stars in 2016 helped to place Ryan on the Draft radar, but his junior season at Cal State Northridge was overshadowed by lat and shoulder issues.
Ryan was drafted by the Rays in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft after a stellar season at Cal State Stanislaus (8-1, 1.65 ERA, 127/13 K/BB).
In his first full season in the minors, Ryan was named the Rays Minor League Pitcher of the Year after posting a 1.96 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP, and 183 strikeouts in 120 innings, making him one of the draft’s most surprising finds (second).
Ryan’s signature pitch is a 92-96 mph fastball that he relies on frequently.
As a result of his natural ability to challenge batters in the zone with the pitch, he finished first in the Minors in strikeout rate (38 percent) and strikeouts-per-nine innings (120 IP min).
In his first full season, Ryan spent a lot of time experimenting with alternative grips for his breaking balls.
An above-average slider in the mid-80s is his primary weapon, but he also has a feel for an unusually high 90-mph cutter that slices through the middle of the plate.
He completes his repertoire with a sluggish, loopy curveball and a below-average changeup.
His natural trickery and three-quarters slot from his time as a water polo player give Ryan an extra degree of difficulty in squaring up.
The right-hander has above-average control and command of his fastball, and evaluators believe that he will continue to improve as he continues to hone his repertoire.
There are no doubts in my mind that he has what it takes to be a starting pitcher in the Major Leagues, perhaps even a No. 3.
Does Joe Ryan Have Any Kids?
Joe Ryan does not have any kids yet. The Twins’ starting pitcher is yet to have kids of his own.