Report: Jarrod Saltalamacchia ‘Unlikely’ to Return to Red Sox in Free Agency

As time goes on, the chances of Jarrod Saltalamacchia returning to the Red Sox become slimmer.

Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe is now making those chances slimmer yet, reporting Monday that two sources say it’s “unlikely” the backstop will be back in Boston next season.

While the Red Sox have said they are interested in signing Saltalamacchia, they weren’t as aggressive with him early as they were with other free agents. They’ve also been unable to come to a deal even as the catching market has thinned considerably, with Boston said to want a two-year contract while Saltalamacchia would like a longer deal after posting one of his best seasons in 2013.

Saltalamacchia is said to be drawing interest from the Twins, who need to fill their catcher spot after moving Joe Mauer to first base, as well as other teams. He hit .273 with 14 home runs and 65 RBIs in 2013.