Red Sox Labeled Best Fit For Star Pitcher — Even After Sonny Gray Trade

Multiple reports have surfaced citing the Red Sox are likely to turn their attention to other needs after trading for starting pitcher Sonny Gray.

Boston, however, once again was labeled as a landing spot for a star pitcher involved in trade speculation.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan on Tuesday ranked the top 25 potential trade candidates and identified teams that could be involved in potential deals. In doing so, the pair listed Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan and included the Red Sox as the first team on the rundown of “team fits.”

“For all the rumors about Ryan at the trade deadline, the Twins never came close to finalizing a deal,” ESPN 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. Having three of the eight best trade candidates is a good place to start a rebuild.”

Other potential landing spots include the Mets, Orioles, Rangers, Giants and Astros.

ESPN predicted the likelihood Ryan will be traded is 50 percent.