Overview

• Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said starting pitching is the top priority and vowed an aggressive pursuit while continuing internal development.
• MLB Trade Rumors detailed constraints on in-house options, noting Lucas Giolito’s elbow issue, Tanner Houck’s Tommy John surgery, and Kutter Crawford’s lost season.
• Trade speculation has centered on Twins All-Star Joe Ryan, with Bleacher Report predicting a Marcelo Mayer-for-Ryan swap and MLBTR expecting Boston to reengage Minnesota.
• Column pieces floated a blockbuster bid for Pirates ace Paul Skenes with Jarren Duran as a potential centerpiece, though reporting notes Pittsburgh has resisted moving him absent a course-altering offer.
• Lou Merloni publicly urged trades for Ryan or Sandy Alcantara and a free-agent deal for Shane Bieber, while Breslow also identified adding power and improving defense as lineup goals.