The Red Sox are on the hunt for a trade that could shake up their rotation and ignite their championship dreams. But why is Joe Ryan, a pitcher they’ve pursued before, back on their radar? It’s a move that has fans buzzing and the front office strategizing.
The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, and their top priority is clear: bolstering their starting pitching. According to a league source, they’re setting their sights on a familiar target, All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins. Acquiring Ryan would provide the Red Sox with a reliable No. 2 starter, a crucial role that Garrett Crochet filled admirably last season, posting a stellar 2.59 ERA in 205 ⅓ innings. But can they count on Crochet to replicate that performance in 2026?
Red Sox manager Alex Cora emphasized the importance of aces in stopping losing streaks and extending winning streaks. With Ryan in the rotation, the team could ignite a winning streak and solidify their playoff ambitions. It’s a move that signals their determination to compete at the highest level.
The 2025 Red Sox roster was a harmonious blend of seasoned veterans and battle-tested youngsters. The addition of Alex Bregman, a perennial postseason contender, and the trade for Crochet, a dominant lefty, strengthened their lineup. Despite the loss of key players like Rafael Devers and Roman Anthony to injury, the team secured a wild card spot. Although they fell short in the playoffs, the season was deemed a success.
However, the recent World Series showcased the importance of elite starting pitching in winning championships. The Blue Jays’ powerful offense and the Dodgers’ clutch performances highlighted the gap the Red Sox need to bridge.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow noted that the postseason often sees a surge in home runs due to the exceptional quality of pitching, making it challenging to string together hits and rallies. This underscores the need for a strong rotation.
The Red Sox were close to acquiring Ryan last August, but the Twins’ demands were deemed too high. Initially, they requested Roman Anthony, which was a non-starter for Boston. When the Twins proposed prospects Franklin Arias and Payton Tolle, the Red Sox were open to negotiations. However, the Twins’ subsequent counteroffer, which included Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu, was a step too far for the Red Sox, who were reluctant to part with key players from their major league roster.
The Twins’ current situation is intriguing. Plagued by ownership issues, they are perceived as a club lacking direction. Despite their fire sale in August, they had hoped to contend as early as 2027. Star player Byron Buxton, initially committed to the team, is now reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause to join a contender.
A source close to the Twins organization suggests that even the team itself is uncertain about its future. Ownership seems to be in disarray, and the team’s poor attendance and TV ratings last year could prompt them to trade high-earning players like Pablo Lopez rather than Ryan. If both Lopez and Ryan were traded, Buxton might seek a way out, further diminishing fan interest.
Ryan’s contract is a non-issue for the Red Sox, as he earned just $3 million last season, and his arbitration raise is estimated at $5.8 million for 2026. The Twins’ dysfunction and unlikely contention before 2027 may also lead to a more flexible trade deal, potentially not involving major league players from the Red Sox.
Moreover, Ryan’s second-half struggles last season (4.67 ERA after the break) indicate that pairing him with Crochet is a realistic goal. Breslow acknowledged the need for a strong pitcher alongside Crochet to improve the team.
While the Red Sox also require a powerful bat in the middle of their order, especially if Bregman departs, there’s no indication they’re willing to overspend to retain him. Pete Alonso could be a potential solution at first base, given Triston Casas’ injury concerns. A trade might be on the cards, and if Bregman re-signs, the Red Sox could be onto something special.
On the pitching front, Brayan Bello has shown promise, but he’s more suited as a back-end arm at this stage. Tolle and Connelly Early are also in the mix, but trading one of them might be necessary to land a player of Ryan’s caliber.
So, can the Red Sox contend in 2026? Absolutely. But acquiring Joe Ryan is just the beginning of their journey to the top.