Top 3 Trade Targets for Red Sox at 2025 Deadline

The Boston Red Sox have had a rollercoaster season in 2025. They entered the All-Star break riding a scorching 10-game winning streak, then stumbled back into mediocrity with inconsistent performances.

With the MLB trade deadline closing in, the front office faces a tough call. Should they go all in as buyers, or retool for the future as sellers?

If the Red Sox decide to double down on playoff hopes, their needs are obvious: first base and starting pitching. Let’s dig into their options and possible targets as the clock ticks down.

Assessing the Red Sox’s Needs at First Base

First base has turned into a problem spot, thanks to injuries and roster moves. The biggest blow? Losing young standout Triston Casas to a nasty knee injury.

Earlier, the team traded away former cornerstone Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Now, the position feels like a gaping hole in Boston’s lineup.

Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have tried to patch things up at first, but their platoon hasn’t offered much production or stability. It’s a tough spot for both players and fans to watch.

Potential Trade Target: Ryan O’Hearn

Boston’s hunt for a first baseman has zeroed in on Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles. O’Hearn’s having a career year in 2025 and seems to tick a lot of boxes for a team desperate for offense.

The All-Star is hitting .282 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI. He’s a skilled left-handed hitter, which would bring some much-needed balance to the lineup.

The Orioles, slipping out of playoff contention, seem willing to move O’Hearn as they shift focus toward rebuilding. He’s got upside, and—let’s be honest—he’s not going to break the bank. Boston would love to have him.

Shoring Up the Pitching Rotation

Offense grabs the headlines, but pitching’s been a headache too. The starting rotation has battled injuries and inconsistency all year.

If Boston wants to make a real playoff push, they’ll need more reliable arms. Two names keep popping up: Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres and Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins.

Dylan Cease: A Surprising Option

Dylan Cease might be one of the most intriguing trade candidates this year. He’s a proven ace, but 2025’s been rough—he’s sitting at 3-10 with a 4.59 ERA for the struggling Padres.

Still, you can’t ignore his raw talent. The Red Sox have shown interest in the past, and maybe now’s the right time to make a move.

A trade package built around outfielder Jarren Duran could tempt San Diego, especially since they’re looking to shake things up. For Boston, grabbing Cease would be a gamble, but sometimes those pay off big.

Joe Ryan: The Top Target

But let’s be real: the most exciting pitching target for Boston has to be Joe Ryan. The Minnesota Twins ace is having a fantastic season, with a 10-5 record and a sharp 2.82 ERA.

At 29, Ryan offers both present value and future upside. If Boston can put together the right offer, he’d bring much-needed stability and a real shot at a deep postseason run.

What’s Next for the Red Sox?

The Red Sox are at a crossroads. After a powerful surge leading into the All-Star break, their recent inconsistency has everyone wondering if they can really contend this year.

If Boston decides to buy at the trade deadline, picking up a player like Ryan O’Hearn could fill the hole at first base. That move might also breathe some life into their offense.

On the pitching side, adding Cease or Ryan could give the rotation a big boost. That might just improve their odds down the stretch.

How aggressive will the Red Sox get with their prospect pool and current roster? With less than a week left before the trade deadline, these choices could define the season—or even shape the next few years for a franchise always chasing that elusive 10th World Series title.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 3 Perfect Fits for Red Sox at 2025 MLB Trade Deadline