John Farrell said the move didn't represent the Red Sox waving the white flag on the season, but said the team is "turning the page in terms of investing in young players."
Chris Sale of the White Sox and Justin Morneau of the Rockies were each leading tight races after the first 36 hours of balloting in the All-Star Game Final Vote.
Yu Darvish is still expected to start on Wednesday night despite being hit near the crown of his head by a batted ball during batting practice on Tuesday.
While a deal before the July 31 deadline is unlikely, Troy Tulowitzki said: "I want to be somewhere where there’s a chance to be in the playoffs every single year."
Alex Anthopoulos balked at Chicago's desire for Marcus Stroman and Drew Hutchison plus at least one if not all three of top prospects Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris and Dalton Pompey.
There is a chance that Michael Cuddyer may not play again this season after suffering a non-displaced fracture of the glenoid socket in his left shoulder on June 5.