The Red Sox are known to be interested in this winter, though suggests that desire could come with a major caveat. Speier relays that the club prefers to avoid signing a player attached to a Qualifying Offer. President of baseball operations neither confirmed nor denied that preference when asked about it by reporters, acknowledging that while there are instances where a player being attached to draft pick compensation shouldnt be an impediment or deterrent, there are also other situations where a QO could be an obstacle. Of course, such a preference wouldnt completely shut the door on a top-of-the-market arm for the Red Sox. Left-hander isnt attached to draft pick compensation after being dealt from the Cardinals to the Rangers midseason, while posted NPB stars and are both free of a qualifying offer as well. With both and already having signed long-term deals this offseason, a preference to avoid signing qualified free agents for their rotation would really only take Boston out of the running for left-hander , who rejected a QO from the Padres earlier this offseason. While the Red Sox have also reportedly been connected to two-way superstar this offseason, that the club is no longer pursuing the offseasons top free agent. More from around MLBs East divisions On the heels USA Jersey of a earlier today that the Mariners are among the teams interested in Rays third baseman this offseason, indicates that outfielder is also believed to have come up in discu sions between the two clubs. Theres no indication that a deal between the sides is particularly close, as is the case with Paredes. That said, its noteworthy that the sides have discu sed a deal around Arozarena, who Morosi described as available in trade. Earlier this week, that while teams have inquired after Arozarena, the Rays werent shopping the outfielder. Arozarena, 28, would be a particularly good fit for a Mariners club that lacks a surefire starting outfielder to pair with and . The 28-year-old slashed a strong .254/.364/.425 with 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases for the Rays this year en route to his first career All Star appearance. The Mets appear focused on improving their run prevention as they enter the winter meetings, according to Sammon notes that in addition to pitching additions, the club is hoping to improve their outfield defense this winter. KBO star is one player the club who could do just that, and Sammon suggests that free agent center fielder could be another fit, though the 32-year-old is garnering plenty of interest around the league, per Sammon. Taylor had the strongest offensive season of his career since 2017 with the Twins in 2023, slashing .220/.278/.442 (96 wRC+) while clubbing a career-best 21 home runs in just 388 trips to the plate this year. Sammon goes on to suggest that adding a player who could contribute in center field is the easiest way for the club to improve its defense, as it would allow to slide over to left field more often. Italian Serie A Jersey