Red Sox Reignite Pursuit of Joe Ryan for Rotation Boost; Twins' Dysfunction May Aid Deal

The Boston Red Sox are actively re-engaging with the Minnesota Twins in pursuit of All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan, whom they previously targeted at last year's trade deadline. The 29-year-old right-hander is viewed as a certified No. 2 starter, crucial for bolstering Boston's rotation alongside Garrett Crochet. Previous trade talks in August saw the Twins initially demand Roman Anthony, then Franklin Arias and Payton Tolle, but ultimately stalled when they sought Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu from Boston's big-league roster. With the Twins now perceived as directionless and marred by ownership dysfunction, a deal for Ryan, who has two years of team control and an affordable estimated 2026 salary of $5.8 million, appears more feasible without requiring major league pieces. Despite Ryan's second-half struggles in 2025 (4.67 ERA vs. 2.72 ERA in the first half), the Red Sox see him as a vital "first step" towards contending in 2026.