Imagine the Boston Red Sox landing an All-Star pitcher to pair with their ace, Garrett Crochet. It’s not just a fan’s fantasy—MLB insiders are buzzing about it. But here’s where it gets controversial: could the Red Sox pull off a blockbuster trade for a top-tier arm, and which one would be the better fit?
Boston’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, has his work cut out for him if he wants to bolster the rotation. Fortunately, the trade market is ripe with tantalizing options. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel recently unveiled their list of the top 25 Hot Stove trade candidates, and two names stand out as potential fits for the Red Sox: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. Let’s dive into why these pitchers are generating so much buzz—and the hurdles that could stand in Boston’s way.
First up, the obvious choice: Tarik Skubal. The 29-year-old lefty is a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, fresh off a season where he led the league with a 2.21 ERA, 7.6 WAR, and a 0.89 WHIP. His 241 strikeouts were a career-best, trailing only Crochet in the AL. Skubal is the Tigers’ cornerstone, but Passan and McDaniel note there’s only a 10% chance he’s traded. Why? Detroit insists he’s staying put, despite his contract expiring after 2026 and stalled extension talks. And this is the part most people miss: even if the Tigers are reluctant to trade him, Skubal’s elite performance makes him a prize worth pursuing—if Boston can convince Detroit to budge.
Then there’s Joe Ryan, ranked as the No. 6 trade candidate by ESPN. Red Sox fans will recall Boston’s failed attempt to acquire him before the 2025 trade deadline. Ryan, also 29, posted a career-low 3.42 ERA this season, tied his personal best with 13 wins, and struck out 194 batters in 171 innings—a career-high. ESPN pegs his trade odds at 50%, with the Red Sox among the teams best positioned to land him. But here’s the twist: the Twins’ high asking price could deter suitors, leaving Ryan in Minnesota unless a team like Boston steps up with a compelling offer.
Starting pitching isn’t Boston’s most pressing need, thanks to their recent trade for 36-year-old Sonny Gray. However, Gray’s age raises questions about his long-term viability as a reliable No. 2 behind Crochet. Adding Skubal or Ryan would instantly give the Red Sox one of the majors’ most formidable 1-2 punches in the rotation. The question is: which pitcher would be the better fit, and what would it cost to make it happen?
Skubal’s pedigree as a Cy Young winner is undeniable, but his potential unavailability makes Ryan a more realistic target. Yet, Ryan’s consistency and younger age could make him a safer bet for the long haul. What do you think? Would you rather see the Red Sox go all-in for Skubal, or play it safe with Ryan? Or is there another pitcher they should target instead? Let’s debate it in the comments!
