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Jarren Duran reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies.

The Boston Red Sox are one of the most interesting teams in baseball as MLB’s trade deadline looms. Boston is three games above .500, and in the thick of the American League playoff picture. There is so much speculation happening surrounding the Red Sox, as it’s been reported that multiple teams are “in” on outfielder Jarren Duran.

However, Boston desperately needs starting pitching. It makes sense why Duran could potentially be on the block, as the Red Sox have a plethora of outfielders, and Duran would garner a fruitful return.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly in the mix of teams that are interested in Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan. Ryan is one of the few starters that the Twins have who could potentially be traded. Pablo Lopez has also been rumored to be traded. For the Twins, they are slipping in the playoff race and may end up being sellers at the July 31st deadline.

“The Twins, who are four games out of a playoff spot in the American League with a 44-47 record, look like potential sellers, whereas the Red Sox may be buyers, as they are now only one game out of an AL Wild Card spot at 48-45. Morosi noted that the Twins will only consider trading Ryan if they are out of the playoff race and if they get “completely overwhelmed” by an offer.”

Ryan Enjoying a Career Year

Ryan is having a stellar first half of the 2025 season. He already has 104 innings under his belt and has posted an 8-4 record with a 2.76 ERA and 116 strikeouts. He has truly come on as one of the best starters in the American League this season. In 2024, Ryan threw 135 innings to a 3.60 ERA and 147 strikeouts. However, Ryan is on pace for almost 200 innings, and in an era where pitchers don’t usually get close to that mark, Ryan has been close multiple times.

The only draw is that this deal would likely cost the Boston Red Sox a decent haul, considering he will be under control until 2028 when he is a free agent next. This would be the perfect deal for Boston, though, who desperately needs a starting pitcher to go alongside Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, who just threw a complete game, but other starters like Walker Buehler have struggled, and are holding the Red Sox back.

Ryan is a steal for the price of just $3 million/year, but again, would likely cost the Red Sox a prospect like Jhonstynxon Garcia, who is tearing up the minor leagues, and likely an MLB now type player like one of the five outfielders the Red Sox are rocking with.

A Deal Like This Solidifies Boston as a Contender

If the Boston Red Sox were to truly be in on Ryan, it would solidify them as a true American League contender. The Red Sox are so intriguing because nobody quite knows what their deadline plans are, and while starting pitching is at the top of their needs list, they could also use another corner infielder, especially at first base.