Manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox switched things up last offseason and decided to get active in both the free agent market and trade market, which led to an MLB playoff berth for the first time in a few seasons. Boston added Alex Bregman and Aroldis Chapman in free agency and decided to make a huge blockbuster deal for Garrett Crochet in a trade with the White Sox.

That leads many Red Sox fans and analysts to believe that Craig Breslow and the rest of Boston’s front office may have a similar offseason game plan in store this winter. Boston was relatively quiet at last year’s trade deadline, and the one move they did make was for Dustin May, who became a DFA candidate. However, there were rumors of the Red Sox being linked to Minnesota Twins‘ starter Joe Ryan, and those rumors are starting to pop up again.

Red Sox Trade Idea Sends Joe Ryan to Boston

GettyManager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox.

In a recent article by MLBTradeRumors.com, Twins starter Joe Ryan is named as a top trade candidate this offseason:

“One player who drew interest but stayed put was Ryan, one of the team’s top two starters whose salary makes him a raucous bargain. The 29-year-old righty pitched to a 3.42 ERA in 171 innings last year, striking out 28.2% of opponents and logging a terrific 5.7% walk rate. A strained teres major in 2024 limited Ryan to 23 starts, but he took the ball 30 times in ’25 and has averaged 154 frames per season dating back to 2022.”

It was a clear breakout campaign for Joe Ryan in 2025, and considering the Twins traded 10+ players at last year’s trade deadline, they should be more willing to make a deal this offseason. It seems likely that Minnesota embraces the full youth movement, and that could lead to an eventual trade of Ryan.

What Would Boston Have to Give Up?

Joe Ryan was named to the All-Star team in 2025 for the first time in his career, so making a deal to acquire him would certainly come at a cost.

Back in July, the main reason a deal didn’t get done between the Twins and Red Sox was because Boston didn’t want to give up Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu, which is likely what it would cost to acquire Ryan.

However, after Lucas Giolito did not receive a qualifying offer, he will hit free agency. Giolito emerged as the Red Sox’s number two starter option after Garrett Crochet.

If the Red Sox don’t retain Giolito, then that would indicate a clear need for a starting pitcher headed into next season. Joe Ryan also comes with two years of team control, which gives potential suitors flexibility in how they would handle his contract.

If Ryan keeps the production up, he will certainly demand a lot in free agency, which is why now is the perfect time for the Red Sox to call Minnesota’s front office about a potential deal.