Derek Falvey says Twins are planning on holding onto Joe Ryan
ORLANDO - The Red Sox weren't shy about making it clear they were interested in Joe Ryan during last season's trade deadline.
Just more than three months later, things have changed a bit.
According to a major league source, the Red Sox have drawn back on their pursuit of the Twins ace after making Ryan a primary target in late July.
The impetus for the altered approach is likely a combination of the Sox's recent acquisition of starters Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, and Minnesota's current intention to hold on to both Ryan and fellow starter Pablo Lopez.
"Our view now, especially as we work through this ownership process and getting completion and understanding exactly what our goals are for 2026, I'm going to find a way to add around our group," said Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. "Our goal and our focus is to figure out ways to fill some holes we have on our team. But we feel good about our core, those guys (Ryan and Lopez) we expect to get a lot of calls on and we always have. But ultimately, we are going to try and put pieces around those players and focus on that."
While the approach by both clubs could change, the likelihood of Ryan ending up in Boston seems slimmer than ever. For one, other interested teams have been introducing the Twins to more appealing, higher-end minor league players. (Note: While the Red Sox were willing to include Payton Tolle in a trade deadline deal for Ryan, Connelly Early wasn't offered.)
There is also Minnesota's perceived approach heading into 2026, which differs from when it was open for business on virtually all its players at the trade deadline.
The Red Sox's approach toward Ryan doesn't mean they aren't willing to engage teams (such as the Royals) for possible top-of-the-rotation solutions.
Another notable name being recently mentioned as a possible trade target for the Red Sox is Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte. But according to another major league source, there is no momentum regarding any deal that would send the three-time All-Star to Boston.