All offseason, Minnesota Twins fans have wondered what is going to happen with Joe Ryan. The Twins' ace had a marvelous 2025 season, which was partly viewed as an audition for other teams to pounce on acquiring him.
Ryan is arbitration eligible, and he was projected for some time to get traded to another team this winter —— particularly the Boston Red Sox. But over the last few days, some of that heat was taken off the Red Sox-Joe Ryan rumors, and now we know why.
The Red Sox made a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday to acquire former Twins All-Star Sonny Gray, which now has Minnesota fans thinking that Ryan may stay put.
Breaking: Sonny Gray traded to Red Sox
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 25, 2025
Red Sox's trade for Sonny Gray could mean that the Twins will keep Joe Ryan for 2026 season
It's not to say that the Red Sox were the only team interested in Joe Ryan, but they sure seemed like the one closest to making a deal with the Twins. So, it's good news that the biggest and best suitor for him is likely out of the picture after adding Gray.
Still, it's logical for Twins fans to feel uneasy. Another high-spending team could make an offer for Ryan, and now, one that could be too good to pass up. As other pitchers continue to find new homes, the market for a top-end starter becomes more of a premium. That could lead to a team going way over asking price for someone like Ryan.
For now, at least, the Twins faithful can hang their hat on Joe Ryan staying with the team for another day. Boston was the team most-interested in him, so it might be difficult to scrounge up a package for him now following the Gray trade. Anything can happen, but this was a good move for the Red Sox regardless if they miss out on Ryan. Gray was a fantastic Twin, who finished second in the AL Cy Young race in 2023. Fans in Minnesota know he has value, and now he may have provided some for the Twins, even if indirectly.