At the 2024 All-Star Game, Boston Red Sox stars Tanner Houck and Jarren Duran were pictured multiple times alongside then-Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet. Red Sox fans took the pictures and ran with them.
Boston almost instantly believed its future relationship with Crochet was meant to be, and it came true five months later. Red Sox fans are hoping a similar manifestation works this year, but sooner.
Red Sox 2025 All-Stars Crochet and Alex Bregman seemed to spend much of their break with Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, to whom Boston has been linked ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Ryan briefly appeared in videos on the Red Sox's Twitter feed, and Bregman posted an Instagram collage that included a snapshot of the three AL All-Stars in Truist Park.
Ryan put on a show in his single inning on the mound during Tuesday night's game. He didn't allow a hit and fanned Manny Machado and Kyle Tucker for an excellent outing.
Red Sox All-Stars Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman pictured with trade deadline target Joe Ryan
Behind the scenes at ASG media day 🎥 pic.twitter.com/A8wo7zF5v9
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 15, 2025
Ryan wasn't initially named to the All-Star Game, but he subbed in when multiple pitchers, including Crochet, opted out of their appearances. The 29-year-old absolutely could've made it out of the gate, with his 2.72 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 121 strikeouts over 109.1 innings.
The Twins sit in second place in the American League Central, 11.5 games behind the AL-best Tigers. Minnesota has yet to commit to a trade deadline strategy, and as of this writing, Ryan hasn't been mentioned in any trade discussions. But the Red Sox may have the major league skill and prospect capital to entice it into a deal if it decides to sell.
Ryan suits Craig Breslow's criteria for a trade deadline addition — he would be a clear No. 2 starter in the rotation behind Crochet and he has years of control remaining on his contract. Breslow is not seeking rentals to reinforce the rotation, and Ryan is on a team-friendly arbitration contract until after the 2027 season.
The trade deadline rumor mill has been particularly slow to start this year, as the playoff races in both leagues are tight. Only a few sure-fire sellers have emerged by the All-Star break, and many others won't have a plan until days before the deadline.
Red Sox fans can hope Ryan will be available by July 31, but there will be plenty of competition from other teams in the race. Boston may have an edge, though, if history is any indication, after Bregman's Instagram post.