There’s a clear first move for Derek Falvey to help the NY Mets make

Derek Falvey is expected to join the New York Mets front office in a yet to be declared role. Regardless of the job title he receives, Falvey’s goal is to make lemonade out of the lemon the 2026 Mets became.

An old buddy of David Stearns from their days working in Cleveland together, he comes from the Minnesota Twins organization where he resigned prior to the 2026 season. A long tenure with the Twins spanning the 2017-2025 seasons, he’d know their organization better than Twinkie the Loon.

The first move he can help the Mets make is one to snag a current Twins player. Not much different than the choice by Stearns to go after Freddy Peralta, acquiring Joe Ryan from the Twins is a practical choice we should have both organizations considering.

Joe Ryan is the one Twins player who might make the most sense for the Mets

On a $13 million mutual option for 2027, one could make the case Ryan chooses to test free agency instead. He’s a bargain at $13 million. While he wouldn’t necessarily break the bank in free agency this winter, back-to-back All-Star selections are difficult to ignore. The thing to note about his contract is that even if he does reject his half of the mutual option, Ryan is arbitration eligible. That number might fall short of $13 million so he’s better off picking it up. The Twins, as well, would be wise to do so even if they plan on trading him.

Ryan is 6-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 2026. Other than an uptick in the ERA, he has been about the same. He is above-average when it comes to strikeouts and well below with walks. At 2.1 BB/9 in his career and 10 K/9, he’s right in line this season at 1.9 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9. Even the ERA is only .03 higher than the 3.80 he has posted in his career.

The numbers are a bit down because his finish hasn’t been spectacular with 6 straight starts that wouldn’t be considered quality. He missed some time due to injury for about a month after one August outing. Since returning, the Twins have been cautious and he hasn’t gone beyond 5 innings.

A Mets trade target last offseason, Minnesota decided to hold onto him. That has been a common theme for them. Many veterans, Byron Buxton being one of the most notable, remain in town to play out the end of his contract. While he’s no longer a Mets match, other Twins can be.

Catcher Ryan Jeffers could be an interesting choice behind the plate, at DH, and at some first base if the Mets chose to move on from Francsico Alvarez. Jeffers is one of the league’s most complete offensive backstops in the game. Jeffers doesn't require a trade as he'll hit the open market this winter.

We also shouldn’t fail to see other opportunities for the Mets to possibly add to the organization in smaller ways with a Twins connection. Falvey had a big hand shaping their farm system. Any loose ends the Mets may have, such as Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, or even Alvarez could be a match there. That’s not to say the Twins will do the Mets any favors. But perhaps Falvey will have an idea of some sneakier options to choose from.

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