Matt Johnson
The Boston Red Sox have already been involved in a pair of trades involving All-Star talent twice since December. Now, with the MLB trade deadline approaching, the front office is reportedly eyeing another blockbuster deal.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Red Sox are among “a number of teams” eyeing a potential trade for Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan this summer. However, it’s unclear if the 2025 All-Star selection will even be made available.
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- Joe Ryan stats (ESPN): 2.76 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 116 strikeouts in 104.1 innings
It’s evident why Boston wants Ryan. The 29-year-old righty is enjoying a breakthrough season, building upon the success he delivered in 2024. Over the last two seasons, he has a 3.23 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and a 263-44 K-BB ratio in 239.1 innings pitched.
Ryan, at 6-foot-2, is an ideal front-line starter who could be trusted in October. He’s also shown outstanding command this season, sporting a 23.4 percent K-BB rate, and his repertoire has resulted in a .192 batting average allowed across 406 batters faced (FanGraphs).
Perhaps most importantly for Boston, he’s a cost-effective starter. Even after earning his first All-Star selection in 2025, Ryan will likely make less than $10 million next year in arbitration. Realistically, Boston could spend less than $25 million over the next 2.5 seasons on an ace.
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- Joe Ryan contract (Spotrac): $3 million salary (2025), arbitration eligible (2026-27)
The real cost, though, comes in prospect capital. There are currently no indications that Minnesota is willing to move him. Even with the team sitting outside the playoff picture, a midseason trade of a top starter under team control through 2027 is unlikely.
For Boston to convince Minnesota to trade Ryan, it would likely cost top prospects. However, many of the Red Sox’s top prospects were either already traded for Garrett Crochet this offseason or called up and are now part of the everyday lineup. This greatly reduces the likelihood of Boston being able to acquire Ryan this summer.
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