Red Sox Reportedly ‘Really Like’ This Pitcher Currently In Trade Rumors

It appears the Boston Red Sox are a bit enamored with Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on Wednesday reported the 29-year-old pitcher is being monitored by a number of teams, including the Red Sox. WEEI’s Rob Bradford issued a follow-up post, and wrote Ryan was a target when the Twins asked about Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas during the offseason.

Speaking on WEEI’s “Jones & Keefe” show Thursday, Bradford expanded on his social media post.

“So when it came to Minnesota saying, ‘Hey, what would it take to get Triston Casas?’ I think Joe Ryan’s name was brought up. Because the Red Sox, as I point out, the Red Sox really, really like Joe Ryan,” Bradford said on the radio. “And Minnesota said, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ Because Joe Ryan is really, really good. He’s under control for another two years after this year.

“My point in that tweet was, ‘Yeah, there’s a lot of buzz about Joe Ryan — and yes, that’s evidence the Red Sox really like Joe Ryan, I don’t think anybody should think that’s a secret — but I think it takes two to tango.'”

Whether that means the Red Sox will acquire Ryan before the MLB trade deadline, however, might still be far-fetched.

After all, Bradford believes a deal for Ryan likely would cost a Garrett Crochet-style trade package. Boston acquired Crochet in exchange for four prospects, including its No. 4 prospect and most recent first-round pick.