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MLB insider: Red Sox ‘stepping up efforts’ in Juan Soto sweepstakes
"The Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the sweepstakes for the generational slugger."
The Red Sox’ reported interest in Juan Soto has been well-documented at this point.
But Boston is far from the only team with deep pockets looking to sign the slugging outfielder, with the Yankees and Mets seen as the frontrunners for the 26-year-old superstar’s services.
“When Soto makes his decision, there will be a domino effect about other teams that have made these big investments,” Jon Morosi said on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” on Tuesday. “Let’s say for example the Boston Red Sox, who are probably well after the Mets and Yankees in the hierarchy of teams with a chance to get him.”
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While Morosi signaled that the Red Sox aren’t in the same class as the Yankees and Mets in terms of suitors for Soto, Jon Heyman of the New York Post offered a different sentiment Tuesday night.
“The Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the sweepstakes for the generational slugger as word is they are stepping up efforts to lure the superstar hitter away from their historic AL East nemesis,” Heyman and Mark W. Sanchez wrote. “Sources say the Red Sox are attempting to sell Soto on his fit in Boston — a fit both at Fenway Park and within the history of the franchise.”
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While a left-handed slugger like Soto benefited from playing at Yankee Stadium (and its short porch in right field) during the 2024 season, a smaller ballpark like Fenway Park should also suit a player in Soto who can drive the ball all over the field.
Fenway is already one of the more favorable stadiums for left-handed hitters, especially for batters who can drive the ball to the opposite field for extra-base hits off the Green Monster.
Soto fits such a profile. Last season, 18 of his 41 home runs with the Yankees were hit out to left or center field.
But beyond his fit at Fenway, Heyman noted that the Red Sox are trying to sell Soto on its history — and his potential place in the team’s future success.
“During the Red Sox’s sit-down with Soto and agent Scott Boras two weeks ago in California, which was attended by Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner, the team also stressed its rich history with star players from the Dominican Republic,” Heyman and Sanchez wrote. “Ortiz and Pedro Martinez became legends in Beantown. Rafael Devers could become Soto’s lineup protection.”
The bidding for Soto could reach over $600 million by the time he signs on the dotted line. There’s a compelling case to be made that both the Yankees and Mets offered the best opportunity for Soto to compete for a title right away.
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But as Heyman noted, the Red Sox have other ways to sell Soto beyond a hefty contract.
“They could also sell Soto as the sole face of the franchise, which would be more difficult with the Yankees (because of Aaron Judge), Mets (Francisco Lindor), Dodgers (Ohtani, among others) and perhaps Blue Jays (though Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can be a free agent after next season),” Heyman wrote.
“The Red Sox also can argue that they are a team on the rise, with three of MLB Pipeline’s top 10 prospects in baseball. Soto is known to have asked clubs in the introductory meetings about their development systems.”
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