"The Boston Red Sox have made an offer but are "most likely out of the picture" for Edwin Jackson, the top starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, because there are better deals on the table from other clubs, according to a baseball source.

Boston's offer to Jackson was for one year and between $5 million and $6 million, according to the Boston Globe. Jackson has said from the get-go that he was seeking a multi-year deal.

The Red Sox also appear to be on the outside in their hunt for free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, who reportedly prefers either the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers. A source late last week said he was close to a deal with the Cardinals. "