Report: Red Sox, Uehara have had preliminary talks about new deal

The Boston Red Sox remain interested in bringing back reliever Koji Uehara, reportedly engaging in preliminary discussions with the 39-year-old about a new deal, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

The two sides, however, aren't close to a deal and the Red Sox appear unlikely to extend a $15.3-million qualifying offer to Uehara, who earned his first career All-Star berth in 2014.

Uehara crafted a 2.52 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP over 64 appearances last season, his second with the Red Sox, while serving as the club's closer for the majority of the season. He struggled towards the end of the campaign, though, managing an 11.74 ERA while surrendering four home runs over his final nine appearances.