Trade Proposal: Boston Red Sox get RHP Joe Ryan; Minnesota Twins get INF Marcelo Mayer
The Red Sox went hard after Ryan at the trade deadline, but reportedly did not come close to pulling off a deal.
Still, don’t be surprised if they try again this winter. They stand to lose Lucas Giolito to free agency, and they’ll otherwise be under a ton of pressure to build on an 89-win campaign that should only be the start of something bigger.
Ryan, 29, isn’t a household name, but he’s as good a No. 2 as the Red Sox can hope to put behind Garrett Crochet. He’s allowed barely more than one baserunner per inning over the last two years, mainly by way of a fastball that is quietly among the best in the game.
As Ryan is controlled through 2027, he would be worth the risk of parting with Mayer. Indeed, holding Mayer likewise comes with risk on account of his injury history, which is getting more extensive every year.
Why It Works for Minnesota
The Twins are talking like they want to keep Ryan for 2026 and beyond, but it seems an awful lot like a smokescreen.
They are mere months removed from one of the most extensive midseason teardowns in recent memory. The only good news is that they replenished their farm system in the process, but they’re likely still looking at a multi-year rebuild.
Mayer is only 22 and was a borderline top-10 prospect when Boston called him up in late May. If he ever gets to a point where he can stay healthy, he could become a star for the Twins to build around.