There is no secret that the Boston Red Sox have struggled to start the 2026 season. Boston entered the current campaign with several question marks regarding its roster. Much of this came down to the departure of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. Nevertheless, many MLB insiders believed that the Red Sox would bounce back in 2026.
A major part of Boston’s success this season was attributed to the rise of outfielder Roman Anthony. In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Passan previously claimed that the team’s 2026 campaign essentially hinges on the star. On top of Anthony, the Red Sox entered the season with one of the highest-regarded starting rotations. David Schoenfield even predicted that Boston’s starters would have the lowest ERA in the American League.
So far, however, this just has not been the case. Although it has been just six games, Red Sox pitchers have allowed the fifth-most runs in baseball (5.33 per game). The team’s starters have combined to grab just one quality start and are averaging under five innings per game.
There is obviously still plenty of time for Boston’s pitching staff to turn things around. Nevertheless, the situation will need to be addressed if the struggles continue. If so, Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy believes that the Red Sox could reignite interest in Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan. Boston was heavily linked with the star pitcher throughout the offseason. While Ryan has remained in Minnesota, things could change as the season progresses.
Boston Red Sox Have Prospects to Target Joe Ryan Deal
GettyJoe Ryan has been linked with the Boston Red Sox for months.
According to McAvoy, the Red Sox may be able to strike a deal with the Twins if they include multiple top prospects. 20-year-old middle infielder Franklin Arias could very well be the prime piece of the puzzle. Currently Boston’s number two prospect, Arias impressed during his second season in the minor leagues. He hit a combined .278 with 27 doubles in 116 games across three different levels.
Boston would also likely have to include another secondary prospect, and perhaps even veteran outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida. The slugger’s playing time has dwindled in recent years, despite his $18.6 million annual salary. Yoshida has yet to record a hit in eight at-bats so far this season. The Red Sox will likely have to eat most of his wages to help facilitate a move.
Red Sox Also Need to Fix Anemic Offense
Joe Ryan is off to a slow start to begin the current campaign as well. The Twins ace has posted a 4.82 ERA in two starts so far. He, however, is expected to bounce back and ultimately put up solid statistics on the season. Assuming the deal does get done, the Red Sox would finally land their target to bolster their rotation, while Minnesota would receive solid prospects for the future.
Boston’s issues are deeper than the pitching staff, though. The team has only managed to score an average of 2.83 runs per game to start the season (tied for second-fewest in baseball). Their slugging and OPS numbers are not as bad, yet the Red Sox have stranded 45 runners on base in the opening six games. Outside of Wilyer Abreu, no other Boston regular starter has an OPS over .685.
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