The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox have spoken with free-agent-to-be, Victor Martinez , regarding a two-year contract. Carfardo suggests that the Sox are trying to throw something out there to let him know that they want him, and keep him away from free agency.

Last month, Cafardo said that there have been preliminary talks regarding an extension with Martinez. At the time, he said that Martinez may fall into the four-year, $60 million range, and the Sox may not believe he may be worth that.

The Sox made an attempt at acquiring Los Angeles Angels catcher-first baseman Mike Napoli, but the deal fell through. Napoli would like to get the opportunity to play everyday. If the teams could work out a deal this winter, he could be a cheaper option for the Sox. Napoli could be signed to a long-term deal between what the Colorado Rockies’ three-year, $8.35 million deal with Chris Iannetta and the Oakland Athletics’ four-year, $16.25 million deal with Kurt Suzuki (approximately $3-4 million per season).