The Boston Red Sox were eliminated by the New York Yankees this postseason, and the team could be looking for starting pitching this offseason.
Garrett Crochet was phenomenal this season and has a legitimate Cy Young Award case. Brayan Bello was solid and Lucas Giolito ended up having a decent year. Giolito could enter free agency this offseason, but regardless of that, the team may want to shore up the starting rotation.
The Red Sox had a 3.95 ERA from their starters this year. It was among the best in baseball, but it was not enough to make a run in October. The team could benefit from having another All-Star to rely on behind Crochet. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicted the Red Sox would make this trade to land Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins:
- Red Sox receive: RHP Joe Ryan
- Twins receive: INF Marcelo Mayer
Mayer was one of the best prospects in baseball before making his debut. An injury derailed his season, but he showed great promise. However, with Trevor Story’s resurgence and the team’s reported desire to keep Alex Bregman, there may not be a clear role for Mayer.
The Red Sox have already signed Kristian Campbell to an extension, and he figures to be the second baseman of the future, despite struggling this year. As much as the team may want to keep Mayer, it is hard to argue that adding Ryan would not make the Red Sox better.
Ryan was an All-Star this year and has multiple years of club control. He and Crochet could be an elite duo. If the Red Sox lose Bregman, the need for Mayer on the roster increases, but Ryan would be a great addition.
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