Though one GM said the Guardians are still talking about star pitcher Shane Bieber, the latest word is that a trade involving Bieber is very unlikely.

The Guardians have a chance to win the AL Central, so it was always going to be difficult to thread that needle.

Though the Red Sox have checked in on Jorge Soler, there’s suspicion they will be outbid again, perhaps by the rival Blue Jays. The Mariners also looked at Soler, but are seen as less likely.

Former Red Sox J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner should be candidates to fill Boston’s need for a right-handed hitter, but they may more seriously consider a less costly option like Tommy Pham, Randal Grichuk or perhaps even their old friend Kiké Hernandez.

The Red Sox are reportedly listening on Masataka Yoshida (Ken Rosenthal’s report), but for now a trade of Yoshida isn’t seen as especially likely.

Kenley Jansen, mentioned in the same report, is indeed available and wouldn’t look bad back in a Dodgers uniform. Evan Phillips is outstanding, but extra help wouldn’t hurt baseball’s superteam.

The Red Sox have made prescient moves (i.e. Tyler O’Neill, Vaughn Grissom) but are getting in the habit of being outbid everywhere. Three last-place finishes in four years apparently isn’t the motivating factor folks figured.

Though the Mets seem focused on the bullpen, they should consider either Martinez or Turner for DH. Martinez would solve the long-running issue of who protects Pete Alonso in the lineup, and Turner would provide third-base insurance in case Brett Baty struggles.

The Diamondbacks and Rangers are among other logical fits for Turner or Martinez.

The Padres have considered bringing back Gary Sanchez, who did a terrific job both ways for them, but there’s a gap in talks.

Angels owner Arte Moreno is said to be “in the weeds” on the big pitchers. That suggests a possible course reversal is possible, but for right now they aren’t in hot pursuit of the big guys.