Theo Epstein revealed that the legend of David Ortiz almost didn't grow in Boston.

During the 2003 season, the Boston Red Sox were debating between Ortiz and Shea Hillenbrand. Ortiz had been signed in January 2003 after the Minnesota Twins non-tendered him.

"David Ortiz hit all of two runs in the first [two months] of the 2003 season and in mid-May had his agent come and ask me for a trade to somewhere he could play more regularly," Epstein said. "Fernando Cuza came to talk to me and I told Cuza at the time that David was someone we wanted to get everyday at-bats, but we just needed to pare down the roster a little bit. We ended up trading Hillenbrand instead of David Ortiz, so I guess that was a good decision in hindsight. David got regular playing time and ended up hitting close to 30 homers in the second half of the season and was off and running as Big Papi."

Ortiz went on to win three World Series title with the Red Sox, hitting more than 500 home runs.

The New York Yankees have acquired A.J. Cole from the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash considerations.

To make room for Cole, the Yankees designated David Hale for assignment.

Cole, 26, was designated by the Nationals recently after a poor start to the season. Originally a fourth-round pick, Cole was dealt to the Oakland Athletics in the Gio Gonzalez deal and then back to the Nationals in the Michael Morse/John Jaso deal.

The San Francisco Giants offered left-handed pitcher Andrew Suarez, outfielder Denard Span and third baseman Jacob Gonzalez to the Miami Marlins for Giancarlo Stanton.

The Marlins were willing to accept the deal but Stanton rejected the trade and ultimately was dealt to the Yankees.

San Francisco pivoted to acquiring Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutchen.

The New York Mets have lost two catchers to injury and are now on the search for replacements.

They have spoken to the Miami Marlins about J.T. Realmuto. It would take a nice package to land the catcher, who hasn't yet played this season due to a back contusion.

Realmuto may be Miami's best offensive player. They traded Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and Dee Gordon this past offseason.