TURLOCK, Calif. – From Turlock to the Twin Cities, second-year right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan made waves in the AL Central Division this season.
 
Taken as the 7^th round, 210^th overall pick for the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2018 MLB Draft, Ryan made his debut in the Big Leagues a little over a year ago against the Chicago Cubs. Since then, the San Francisco native has had plenty to brag about at the family dinner table; making the USA Baseball Team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics back in July 2021 (meeting NBA All-Star Kevin Durant along the way) and ranking 7^th on the 2022 MLB final rookie power rankings.
 
Ryan finished the 2022 season with 27 starts and pitched in 147 innings to lead all rookies. He secured a 3.55 ERA during his time on the mound this year, racking up 151 strikeouts. The Twins would finish the season with a 78-84 record (.481) to put them 3^rd overall in the AL Central.
 
During his time at Stanislaus State, Ryan was the CCAA's Most Valuable Pitcher in 2018 and was the highest draft pick in program history. He led all NCAA divisions with 127 strikeouts during his senior season, setting a new Stan State single-season record. With a 1.65 ERA, hitters were held to a .190 average. Although the Twins' playoff chances were out of reach this season, Ryan has solidified himself as the team's top pitcher for the future.