Week 20 of our MLB two-start pitcher series lays out the best weekly options as August 18 approaches, with rotation shuffles shaping value. The Phillies flip to a six-man rotation to accommodate Aaron Nola, which narrows Ranger Suarez to a single start; the Cubs stack two-start weeks with an eight-game slate, keeping Cade Horton and potentially Jameson Taillon in the mix; the Rays play five games, limiting two-starts; and the Blue Jays’ rotation remains in flux as Shane Bieber returns. Against that backdrop, the piece highlights strong and streaming options across the American and National Leagues, with Joe Ryan, Trevor Rogers, Logan Gilbert, and Hunter Brown headlining the AL, and Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cade Horton, and Eury Pérez pacing the NL. It also casts a wider net into pitchers like Brandon Woodruff, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray, Zac Gallen, Spencer Strider, and Matthew Liberatore as two-start candidates, while flagging higher-risk picks such as Nestor Cortes and Austin Gomber. The guide blends traditional cycle-spotting with waiver-wire tests and notes on risk vs. reward, arming fantasy managers with a battalion of two-start weeks and the streaming pivots to lean on when lineups shift.

Two-start anchors emerge from the AL slate: Joe Ryan dominates with elite run prevention and solid strikeout pace, while Trevor Rogers tames tough matchups in Baltimore’s rotation; Logan Gilbert’s arms are a constant, and Hunter Brown’s double-dip is a clear must-start. In the NL, Skenes brings massive upside at home vs. Toronto and Colorado, Yamamoto’s Coors-field hurdle notwithstanding, and Cade Horton’s breakout form makes him an easy call in 100% of leagues. The piece also flags other strong streaming bets like Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cade Horton, Eury Pérez, Brandon Woodruff, and Nick Pivetta, balancing upside with matchup-driven caution across park factors and opposing lineups.

Ownership stalemate ends with continuity for the Twins. The Pohlad family will keep control but add two minority groups, a move they say is aimed at keeping the franchise in Minnesota while unlocking hidden profits. Fans react with a mix of frustration and guarded optimism as the plan unfolds behind league approval.

Offseason reality: a leaner baseline payroll (~$130M) and ongoing trade chatter around Pablo López and Joe Ryan heighten the sense that 2026 could look very different on the mound. Attendance has slipped, and the club has already shed payroll via the deadline fire sale. Minority partners could influence spending, but the Pohlads intend to stay at the helm while navigating debt and asset appreciation.

Debt and ownership context loom large. CNBC pegged the Twins around $1.65B with a debt load that outpaces some peers, yet ownership believes the structure can still fuel a winning transformation. Historical stakes rise as the franchise aims to return to prominence after years outside the World Series spotlight, with leadership hinting at a measured path back to contention.

On-field outlook hinges on how the new ownership mix shapes baseball operations. Falvey and Baldelli could be affected, payroll discipline may persist, and the roster build will likely balance cost, upside, and the Twins’ rebuild timeline. The core narrative remains clear: Minnesota needs a return to elite competitiveness in a sport that rewards both asset value and timely investments.

As the MLB Trade Deadline passes, the Boston Red Sox find themselves criticized for what many perceive as a lackluster effort. Acquiring pitchers Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals and Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team is seen as having missed a crucial opportunity to bolster their chances for a Wild Card spot. Reports indicated that negotiations with the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Joe Ryan were weak, leading MLB insider Ken Rosenthal to label their deadline strategy an 'epic fail.' Despite these setbacks, the Red Sox maintain momentum, winning five of their last seven games and holding a slim lead for the second AL Wild Card spot.

The Boston Red Sox are considering trading from their crowded outfield, with Jarren Duran's name surfacing in potential deals. Speculation has intensified as the trade deadline approaches, and reports indicate the Red Sox may also look to trade top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia. Currently hitting near .300 with an impressive .900 OPS in Triple-A, Garcia could serve as a key piece in a larger trade aimed at acquiring a starting pitcher.

Boston's outfield is populated with talent, including Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida, leaving little room for Garcia. His value as a trade asset could help land prominent pitchers like Sandy Alcantara or Mitch Keller. While Garcia has shown exceptional promise, his path to the major leagues with the Red Sox seems obstructed, making a trade increasingly likely.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31, 2025, teams are making crucial decisions that could shape the postseason. Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks leads the pack, showcasing an impressive power surge, potentially nearing 40 home runs this season. His consistent offensive prowess makes him one of the most sought-after players as teams look to bolster their lineups.

Meanwhile, MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, despite recent management changes, might remain with the team as they build a young core. Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins is not only an All-Star but also boasts a stellar 1.80 ERA in July, marking him as a strong trading candidate. The Guardians' Emmanuel Clase and Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller are also on the radar, with Keller's recent form enhancing his trade value significantly.