As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Boston Red Sox are keenly focused on enhancing their starting rotation. Notably, they are monitoring Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan, who is enjoying a stellar season with a 2.76 ERA and a league-leading 0.891 WHIP. Ryan's impressive performance has made him a lucrative trade target, especially since he is under team control until 2027. The Red Sox, if they choose to buy, could pair him with Garret Crochet to solidify their rotation for the coming years.

However, acquiring Ryan won't be straightforward. The Twins must find themselves out of postseason contention, and any trade offer would need to significantly impress them, likely involving promising players like Jarren Duran. The Red Sox's strategy reflects a shift from a previous selling mindset to one focused on acquiring impactful players for sustained success.

The Detroit Tigers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the World Series race with a stellar record of 59-34, leading the AL Central by a significant margin. As the trade deadline approaches, the team is looking to enhance its bullpen, and a standout candidate is Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran. This hard-throwing right-hander has showcased remarkable skills, boasting a 1.56 ERA and 13 saves this season, while not allowing a home run in over 70 innings pitched. Duran's addition could transform the Tigers' relief corps, which has been primarily a closer-by-committee approach this year.

While the Twins are currently struggling at 44-47 and significantly out of the playoff picture, they hold the leverage in trade negotiations due to Duran's impressive performance and control through 2027. Acquiring him would not only bolster Detroit's chances but also signal their intent to compete at a high level. The Tigers currently rely on pitchers like Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle for saves, making Duran’s potential acquisition a pivotal move to solidify their playoff aspirations.

The New York Yankees are determined to end their 16-year World Series drought, but they have faced significant challenges in recent weeks. The primary issue has been an underperforming bullpen, with key players like Luke Weaver and Devin Williams struggling. With both Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. currently on the injured list, the Yankees may look to bolster their relief corps ahead of the trade deadline.

Recent discussions have linked the Yankees to Jhoan Durán, a standout closer from the Minnesota Twins. Durán boasts an impressive arsenal, featuring a triple-digit fastball and two devastating breaking pitches, resulting in a 2.40 ERA over four MLB seasons. As Minnesota's closer, he has gone over 70 innings without allowing a home run, showcasing his dominance on the mound. However, acquiring him won't be easy, as the Twins are likely to demand significant assets in return, given Durán's effectiveness and team control until 2027.

Shota Imanaga demonstrated resilience in his latest outing against the Chicago Cubs, securing a victory for the Minnesota Twins. The Twins' aggressive approach paid off early as they swung at 12 of the first 16 pitches, capitalizing on Imanaga's initial struggles. However, adjustments made in the first inning allowed Imanaga to regain his composure and limit the Cubs to just two hits in his final five innings. The Twins' offensive dominance continued, culminating in a six-run eighth inning, featuring back-to-back home runs from Ryan Jeffers and Willi Castro.

The Cubs faced a disappointing performance, mustering only six hits, with Justin Turner's ninth-inning homer being a late consolation. Despite a few opportunities, the Cubs couldn't convert with runners in scoring position, failing to capitalize on walks and weak pitching from the Twins' bullpen. The game served as a reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining consistency as they look to improve in the next matchup.

Byron Buxton led the Minnesota Twins to a commanding 8-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs, marking a stellar performance as the All-Star continues his breakout summer. Buxton ignited the scoring with a leadoff double and subsequently crossed home plate on Ryan Jeffers' double, catalyzing a two-run second inning. The Twins poured it on in the eighth, scoring six more runs, featuring back-to-back homers from Jeffers and Willi Castro. Harrison Bader capped the inning with a two-run blast, solidifying the win. Cubs' Justin Turner managed a late consolation homer, but it was too little, too late.

The Twins pitching staff excelled with Simeon Woods Richardson delivering five scoreless innings, and Brock Stewart contributing crucial outs. The victory keeps the Twins at the top of the AL Central, extending their home stand on a high note.