The Boston Red Sox came close to trading for an All-Star pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline, but the deal never materialized.

The Red Sox were targeting Joe Ryan, the ace for the Minnesota Twins who has been one of the better starting pitchers in the league over the past few years.

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At 29 years old, Ryan still has two more seasons of team control before becoming a free agent. Considering the Twins’ lower payroll and their way of operating, they have been mulling trading the pitcher at the peak of his value.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, could use some depth in their starting rotation, as there is a notable fall-off in quality after Garrett Crochet.

Alex Cora

Crochet had a Cy Young-caliber season, proving to be a true ace, though the depth needs some work over the winter, and Ryan would give the team’s staff a quality upgrade and a one-two punch for the postseason.

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A trade for Ryan, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, would be the perfect transaction for Boston.

“At the trade deadline this past season, the Red Sox believed they were close to landing Joe Ryan, an elite arm who had his best year yet for the Twins in 2025,” Passan wrote.

“As long as Red Sox ownership keeps the financial clamps on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, he’ll need to get creative in improving a Red Sox team that’s already quite good.

“Revisiting what he missed at the deadline is the simplest way to do so, and as much as the Twins say they want to win in 2026, they understand: Now is the time to strike and dealing Boston another front-line starter to pair alongside Garrett Crochet is the way to do it.”

The Red Sox have the financial resources to offer Ryan a contract extension, securing his long-term commitment.

Ryan had a 3.43 ERA last season over 31 starts, pitching a total of 171 innings valued at 4.5 bWAR. Considering their prior interest in Ryan, a trade materializing this winter makes sense for both organizations.

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