Red Sox Insider Offers Much-Needed Clarification After Joe Ryan Drama

The Boston Red Sox made two deals in the days leading up to the MLB trade deadline — not three.

MassLive’s Red Sox insider Chris Cotillo offered that much-needed clarification Thursday a mere one minute after the 6 p.m. ET buzzer.

“The Red Sox made two deals: (Steven) Matz and (Dustin) May. That’s all, source confirms,” Cotillo posted on X.

The Red Sox made two deals: Matz and May. That's all, source confirms.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 31, 2025

Cotillo’s confirmation came with Red Sox fans questioning whether or not the organization made a blockbuster deal for Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. MLB on FOX and Yahoo Sports both posted social media graphics stating Boston acquired Ryan from Minnesota.

The trade, however, never came to fruition.

Instead, the Red Sox acquired right-hander Dustin May for outfield prospect James Tibbs III some 12 minutes before the deadline. Boston acquired left-handed reliever Steven Matz in a deal which sent prospect Blaze Jordan to the St. Louis Cardinals late Wednesday night.