Red Sox Trade Attempt With Twins Could Lead To Winter Deal

The Boston Red Sox failed to land one of their primary targets as the Major League Baseball trade deadline expired on Thursday.

However, Boston’s repeated attempts to poach this pitcher — which reportedly included a last-minute effort on Thursday — may not have been in vain.

MassLive’s Chris Cotillo suggested in the hours following the deadline that Boston’s conversations with the Minnesota Twins about starting pitcher Joe Ryan are sure to continue during the offseason.

“Boston made efforts to land bigger fish on the market but ultimately fell short,” Cotillo wrote on Thursday night. 

“One was Minnesota All-Star Joe Ryan, who the Red Sox tried for — as multiple outlets reported — late on deadline day. While it seems Boston felt like it had a chance to provide a major rotation boost and land Ryan in the 11th hour, Twins decision-makers felt like their asking price was “not even close” to being met, according to a major league source with knowledge of the discussions. It’s unclear what the Red Sox’ best and final offer was.”

“Ryan, who has two years of control remaining, remained with the Twins and was not dealt,” Cotillo continued. “The conversations had in recent weeks could lay the groundwork for an offseason trade much like initial conversations with the White Sox last summer informed the Red Sox on a path to eventually acquire Garrett Crochet in December.”

Ryan, 29, was named an All-Star for the first time this season. Entering Thursday, the right-hander was 10-5 with a 2.82 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 121 1/3 innings pitched.