Red Sox Predicted to Trade for All-Star Ace to Pair With ...

By Drew VonScio

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Boston Red Sox added to their starting rotation at the end of November by trading for Sonny Gray. While Gray's addition certainly added to the quality in Boston's rotation, he does not provide them with a strong option behind Garrett Crochet.

Craig Breslow has made it very clear that his priorities this offseason are to bolster the rotation and secure a big bat. Much of the focus now is going to be on the latter, but the Red Sox still could be in the mix for a strong starting pitcher if the opportunity arises.

The trade market is just starting to heat up this winter, and there are several teams that are looking to trade starting pitchers. ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan are predicting the Red Sox to trade for Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan this offseason.

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"For all the rumors about Ryan at the trade deadline, the Twins never came close to finalizing a deal," McDaniel and Passan wrote. "If the cost remains high for free agent pitching, teams could turn to trades to fill their rotation holes, at which point Minnesota again would be a match for just about anyone. ... Take that key fastball/control combination and add durability (between 135 to 171 innings each of the past four seasons) along with five other solid pitches to keep hitters honest, and you have a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter. He's still in his 20s and has two years left of team control, so the asking price will be high. Team fits: Red Sox, Mets, Orioles, Rangers, Giants, Astros."

Ryan would be the ideal option for the Red Sox behind Crochet in the rotation. He made 31 appearances last season (30 starts) and produced a 3.42 ERA. Since ERA takes into account defensive plays (both good and bad), there's a chance his ERA could be much better for a team like the Red Sox that have more talent in the field compared to the Twins.

As mentioned, adding Ryan would require a sizable return going back to Minnesota since he is under team control for two more seasons. However, if the Red Sox want to win as bad as they claim they do, adding a player of his caliber shouldn't require much deliberation.

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