The Boston Red Sox may need to look elsewhere for a rotation boost. According to reporting from FanSided and echoed by CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, the Minnesota Twins are not actively engaging in trade discussions involving MLB All-Star starter Joe Ryan—bad news for a Red Sox team that had reportedly circled the right-hander as a top trade target.
With the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaching, Ryan’s name had emerged as one of the most appealing arms potentially on the market. But if Minnesota stands pat, Boston’s hopes for a frontline upgrade could evaporate.
Twins’ Deadline Stance Could Derail Boston’s Pitching Plans
At 47-49, the Twins sit four games back of the final Wild Card spot, a middling record that has led many to view them as candidates for both buying and selling. But according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Minnesota has “yet to have conversations with other teams about right-hander Joe Ryan,” and no official pivot to sell-mode has occurred. The Twins are keeping their options open—and their top pitcher off the table, for now.
For the Red Sox, that’s a frustrating development. Ryan would’ve slotted in perfectly behind Garrett Crochet to give Boston a formidable 1-2 punch. He owns a 9-4 record with a 2.72 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts over 109.1 innings. He also comes with cost control, as he is under team control through 2027 and is making just $3 million this season.
In a market full of aging or underperforming arms, Ryan stood out as a rare blend of youth, production, and affordability. Unlike names such as Sandy Alcantara or Zac Gallen, who carry more brand recognition than their 2025 results, Ryan is delivering dominance in real time. His availability would’ve sparked a bidding war, and the Red Sox seemed primed to jump in.
Joe Ryan Is Open to Trade Buzz—But Twins Aren’t There Yet
Adding a twist to the story, Ryan himself didn’t entirely shut the door when asked about the trade rumors. Speaking to Boston beat writer Rob Bradford during All-Star festivities, the 29-year-old called the deadline chatter “fun” and “exciting,” even while acknowledging it would be “hard to go.“
“I love Minnesota and I love where I’m at,” Ryan said, “but it’s never up to me.“
That openness may intrigue contenders like Boston, but it doesn’t change the current stance from the Twins front office. Trading Ryan would be a seismic move—one that runs counter to any plan to remain competitive in 2026 or beyond. Minnesota flipped José Berríos in a similar situation back in 2021, but Berríos was closer to free agency. Ryan, by contrast, offers three more postseason runs of team control.
That makes him one of the most valuable assets in baseball—and one the Twins can afford to be patient with. Even if Minnesota decides to sell off relievers like Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax, moving Ryan would mark a much more dramatic step toward a retool. It’s possible, but it doesn’t seem imminent.
And that’s precisely the kind of deadline limbo the Red Sox didn’t need.
Boston has been aggressive in scouting top arms, and with 2025 MLB playoff hopes very much alive, their rotation could use reinforcements. But if Joe Ryan stays in Minneapolis—and the latest reporting strongly suggests he will—it’s back to the drawing board for Craig Breslow and company.
They’ll need another plan. And fast.
Red Sox Deal Hopes Hit Snag as Twins Shut Down Trade Talks