It's hard to remember now, but there was spring training buzz that the Red Sox might be on the verge of swinging a trade before Opening Day.
The almost daily rumors involved the Sox getting something done with the Padres, potentially taking on the contract of Wil Myers while getting back young pitching. (Prospect Cal Quantrill was often mentioned as a target for Boston. For more on Quantrill, click here.)
But it now appears as though such a deal wasn't going to be a reality prior to what was supposed to be Opening Day.
According to a source, no trades involving the Red Sox were "imminent" at the time MLB put a freeze on all transactions on March 27.
The biggest perceived need for the 2020 Red Sox as spring training unfolded was believed to find help in their starting rotation, particularly once Chris Sale became unavailable. After Eduardo Rodriguez and Nathan Eovaldi (both of whom were having outstanding Grapefruit League seasons), Martin Perez lined up as the No. 3 starter with Ryan Weber likely making up the fourth spot.
Signs also pointed to the Red Sox using an "Opener" for the final slot in the rotation, with Colten Brewer positioning himself to be a big part of that equation.