The last time Joe Ryan pitched on an international stage, he helped the United States win a silver medal with two strong outings at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Ryan, the 29-year-old pitcher who made his first MLB All-Star team last season, will represent the U.S. again this spring. Team USA announced Wednesday the San Francisco native will participate in the World Baseball Classic, joining a rotation that includes National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean.
During the 2020 Summer Olympics, which took place in 2021 without crowds because of COVID restrictions, Ryan allowed two runs in 10⅓ innings (1.74 ERA) with eight strikeouts and one walk. He participated before he made his major league debut, and he was even traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Twins during the event.
Ryan delivered his most complete season in 2025, yielding a 3.42 ERA over a career-high 171 innings. He was subject to trade rumors leading up to the trade deadline in July, and again early this offseason, but the Twins have publicly stated their intent to keep him on their roster. He remains under team control through the 2027 season.
Along with Ryan, Edouard Julien plans to play for Canada, according to a report from Toronto-based Sportsnet. Julien, a Quebec City native, had a breakout performance when he played in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, recording a hit in seven of his 13 at-bats (.538 batting average) with two homers.
Team USA will begin play by facing Brazil on March 6 at Houston’s Daikin Park.
Twins sign reliever to minor league deal
Dan Altavilla, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox last season, agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to big-league camp in spring training.
Altavilla, a 33-year-old righthander, had a 2.48 ERA across 28 relief appearances this year and recorded two saves. He struck out 21 and walked 15 in 29 innings.
