It made some sense for the Red Sox to fill out their starting rotation with a veteran arm that wasn't going to necessitate a long-term commitment. Names that had been surfaced included Jon Lester, Rich Hill and Corey Kluber.
Now comes news that a former Yankee might be on the Sox' radar.
The Angels and Blue Jays are two teams that have also been linked to the lefty.
Happ became a free agent when the Yankees declined his 2021 option for $17 million. It was an option that would have vested if he made at least 10 starts or turned in 61 1/3 innings. He ended up with nine starts and 49 1/3 innings, leading to some animosity between the two sides.
Happ was solid in 2020, finishing with a 3.47 ERA. His most recent start at Fenway Park was an eight-inning scoreless Sept. 19 win over the Red Sox.