Craig Breslow of the Red Sox throws cold water on two possible reunions.

The Boston Red Sox leadership group boldly predicted better times ahead heading into the offseason, but they have already drastically changed their tone as they get ready for yet another rebuilding season. Nonetheless, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been adamant throughout the offseason about the upcoming returns of two of the team’s most successful sluggers in recent memory. It looks like a reunion with J.D. Martinez or Justin Turner at this point

“We’re still actively engaged in conversations around adding pitching and balancing out the lineup a little bit with a right-handed bat, particularly one that has some positional versatility would be helpful,” Breslow said to Rob Bradford of WEEI’s “Baseball Isn’t Boring” radio show. It’s unlikely that Boston will run it back with either of the aforementioned impact sluggers given that comment and similar remarks from earlier in the winter, especially since Breslow disagrees with the idea of having a traditional everyday designated player.

Turner can only make a comeback if Breslow decides not to prioritize Turner for the outfield and believes the former utility player can still contribute significantly on defense.Turner is not a defensive mainstay; if acquired, he will fill in as the designated hitter for the bulk of the season after playing 41 games at first base, 10 at second base, and 7 at third base.Breslow’s depiction of the 38-year-old may be dispelled by his semi-platoon with Triston Casas and his ability to pinch start for Rafael Devers at third base, but I wouldn’t put too much stock in it. Only if Breslow chooses not to use Turner as his first choice in the outfield and thinks the former utility player can still make a big defensive contribution will Turner have a chance to recover.

Turner is not a defensive staple; despite appearing in 41 games at first base, 10 at second base, and 7 at third base, he will slot in as the designated hitter for the majority of the season if acquired. I wouldn’t place too much weight in Breslow’s assessment of the 38-year-old, even though it might be refuted by his semi-platoon with Triston Casas and his capacity to pinch start for Rafael Devers at third base