Boston has spoken to the Brewers about a major trade but it doesn’t sound like it’s coming

With each passing day, it’s seemingly less likely that the Boston Red Sox are going to land one of the top pitchers available.

Boston has been linked to multiple free agents and possible trade candidates to improve the starting rotation. Although that is the case, Boston seemingly doesn’t want to spend big in free agency and doesn’t want to deal its top three prospects.

The Red Sox have been linked to every available hurler in some way and even have “touched base” with the Milwaukee Brewers about ace Corbin Burnes, but a move may be unlikely, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.

“The Red Sox have made a lot of moves this offseason but I’m not sure their major-league team is any better than it was when the season ended,” Bowden said. “They’ve had trade discussions with the (Chicago White Sox) regarding Cease, but those have never gotten any traction.

“They touched base with the Brewers on Corbin Burnes and that went nowhere, and they had a conversation with the (Miami Marlins) about Jesús Luzardo that also came up empty. Free agency remains their best shot at improving the rotation this offseason, but I’m not sure Red Sox ownership is willing to step up and pay the price it will take to land one of the top starters.”

Burnes would be the perfect addition for Boston but it doesn’t like the Red Sox are willing to meet the Brewers’ asking price. The Red Sox added Lucas Giolito this offseason but traded away Chris Sale.

Boston is in a weird spot and each new report seemingly gets even weirder. What will the club do throughout the rest of the offseason?