With the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline approaching, teams will have to decide whether they plan to buy or sell valuable assets depending on the direction of their franchises. Being winners of 10 straight games, the Boston Red Sox will be poised to make major additions in the trade market in hopes of making the postseason and potentially winning their division, and Joe Ryan has been linked to the scorching hot ball club. While Boston has multiple needs, the biggest point of emphasis will be a top-end starter to fortify their rotation, and he could be exactly what they’re looking for.
Following a disappointing start to the season, the Twins responded with a 13-game win streak to revive their playoff hopes. Unfortunately, their season has been inconsistent since then as they sit two games under .500 and 11 games back in the division. Technically, Minnesota is still in the race for the playoff spot, but it has long-shot playoff odds, so focusing on the future would be wise. The Twins will likely trade away some valuable players at the deadline, possibly even Ryan.
Going under the assumption that Minnesota would be open to trading Ryan, the Red Sox would be almost a perfect trade partner for the All-Star pitcher. While Boston’s rotation struggled mightily outside of Garrett Crochet earlier this year, they’ve improved tremendously throughout the season with the emergence of both Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito over recent weeks.
While they have some solid options at the end of the rotation, adding a controllable top-end starter to solidify a top-10 rotation in baseball would be a rare opportunity the Red Sox couldn’t pass up on. A long-term tandem of Crochet and Ryan would immensely raise their floor and potentially single-handedly win them a playoff series. This acquisition would be a win-now move as well as establish much-needed certainty at the top of their pitching staff.
For the Twins, the Red Sox would likely have the best offer on the market, given their depth in both the major league roster and farm system. While a top-three prospect would likely be off limits, Boston could send one of their many corner-outfielders to fill a legitimate void for Minnesota, as well as packaging solid prospects in the deal. Trading Ryan would be a major blow to their roster in 2025, but capitalizing on his value amid one of his best individual seasons of his career could be good business for the Twins.
Red Sox Receive: Joe Ryan
Twins Receive: Wilyer Abreu, Jhostynxon Garcia (Red Sox #6), Jedixon Paez (Red Sox #17), Eduardo Rivera (Red Sox #30)
Red Sox Receive: Joe Ryan
Twins Receive: Jarren Duran, Franklin Arias (Red Sox #4), Brandon Clarke (Red Sox #8), Marvin Alcantara (Red Sox #40)
Red Sox Receive: Joe Ryan
Twins Receive: David Hamilton, Payton Tolle (Red Sox #3), Jhostynxon Garcia (Red Sox #6), Tyler Uberstine (Red Sox #21)
These two teams are most notably connected due to the Red Sox’s extensive organizational depth, which allows them to make many potential trades a possibility. The biggest questions regarding this pairing are whether the Twins are even open to trading Ryan and what Boston would be willing to give up in exchange. Both teams have the means to complete this trade, but will they get it done?
There’s sense to both sides for Minnesota, as there shouldn’t be pressure to trade Ryan. The Twins have multiple solid options to trade at the deadline, and keeping him could be part of their future, as they still have years of control. Trading Ryan would take an offer they couldn’t refuse, which is up to their interpretation. Dealing away players at their peak value when you’re likely not in contention is a practice that’s paid off many times in sports, and could be the case if they do choose to trade him away. While their asking price may be too high for potential suitors, they’d likely pick up the phone at the very least.
The Ryan and Red Sox pairing could be one of the biggest blockbusters of the MLB Trade deadline, but it’s far from guaranteed. Minnesota’s willingness and Boston’s aggressiveness will be determining factors in the outcome of any potential discussions. Regardless of how they pan out, it’s certain that the trade could make sense for both sides.
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