One of the Boston Red Sox’ main goals this offseason is to get a No. 2 starter to support Garrett Crochet in the starting rotation. While many think the best option is Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan, another Twin may be the answer.
According to Fansided’s Zachary Rotman, he predicts the Sox will instead trade for Minnesota Twins All-Star Pablo Lopez, as he would cost less to trade for.
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“Ryan should be Boston's No. 1 priority, but there's a chance the Twins will be more inclined to trade Pablo Lopez. Lopez is the same age as Ryan, and both pitchers are under club control through 2027, but Lopez is making $21.75 million in both years, while Ryan will make significantly less in arbitration. The Twins would prioritize parting with the pitcher making more money, and the Red Sox, a big-market team, shouldn't mind taking on Lopez at what's still a team-friendly figure. He's far from a big name, but Lopez is absolutely a viable No. 2 starter Red Sox fans should be happy with if Boston is able to acquire him,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, Lopez posted a 5-4 record, a 2.74 ERA, 73 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.110 over 14 games and 75 innings pitched. He did deal with multiple injuries this season, and that should also be reflected in the Twins’ asking price.
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This is the first injury-prone year he’s had, so if he can return to being healthy, he could be a great No. 2 in Boston. He was showing signs of taking another step forward, and if he can keep that low ERA, he would be a great 1-2 punch with Crochet.
Hopefully, though, the Sox still stick with trying to get Ryan, as he does have a higher upside. However, if that doesn’t work out, getting Lopez is almost just as good.
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