DENVER - Todd Helton will not be the latest addition to the Boston Red Sox lineup.

Squashing speculation of a deal that has been rumored since late last week, Colorado Rockies chairman and CEO Charlie Monfort on Monday night said trade talks with the Red Sox involving Helton are dead.

Monfort added that there will be no further discussions between the teams.

A 33-year-old first baseman, Helton has a career .333 batting average in 10 major league seasons, all with the Rockies.

Colorado’s primary reason for exploring a deal was to get out from under Helton’s contract, which still has $90.1 million left on it and runs through 2011 with an option for the 2012 season.

“This is not a trade that we were anxious to complete, but we are always exploring ways to improve our team,” Monfort said. “Discussions like these regarding a player of Todd’s talent and character are never easy, and it’s not surprising we were not able to reach an agreement.

“Todd has been and will continue to be an important part of our franchise.”

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