Red Sox reportedly have meeting scheduled with free agent outfielder Juan Soto
The 26-year-old offers game-changing talent, but could come with a historic price tag.
The Red Sox and Juan Soto: After finishing 2024 exactly 81-81, the Red Sox once again head into an offseason in need of upgrades. Possibly the most talented free agent on the board heading into 2025 is Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, who will command interest from a myriad of clubs.
According to ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, the Red Sox have a meeting scheduled with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, for this week. And, per Passan, Boston’s appetite for potential signings extends beyond power-hitting outfielders.
“Another team with Soto at the top of its want list: the Boston Red Sox,” wrote Passan. “They also have a meeting on the books with Soto this week, and like the Blue Jays, their aggressiveness extends into the starting pitching market as well.”
Along with the Red Sox, the Mets and Yankees are among a crowded field also expected to pursue the power-hitter.
The price will be hefty, with Passan projecting a possible record deal.
“Soto is going to warrant perhaps the longest contract in baseball history — Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million deal currently holds the record — and an expected guarantee in excess of $600 million.”
Soto, 26, is already a four-time All-Star, with a career .953 OPS. He hit 41 home runs in 2024 for the Yankees, helping New York reach the World Series.
While signing a player of Soto’s ability would be a huge win for the Red Sox — and would be accommodated almost regardless of circumstances — Boston’s outfield situation would become even more crowded. Having recently exercised the club’s option on outfielder Rob Refsnyder, the Red Sox are projected to have Refsnyder, Gold Glove-winner Wilyer Abreu, All-Star Jarren Duran, and Ceddanne Rafaela (not including the possible emergence of talented prospects like Roman Anthony or Kristian Campbell).
Trivia: Juan Soto finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2018. What won that year?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He won N.L. MVP in 2023.
Scores and schedules:
Tonight, the Celtics will face the Hawks at TD Garden at 7 p.m.
Also tonight, the Bruins play the Blues in St. Louis at 8 p.m.
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Maine’s answer to Payton Pritchard: Celtics 2024 first-round pick Baylor Scheierman nailed a half-court shot to end the third quarter in a 130-111 Maine Celtics win over the Delaware Blue Coats on Monday.
On this day: In 2022, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics past the Pistons scoring 43 points and collecting 10 rebounds in a 117-108 win. Marcus Smart contributed a customarily diverse box score, totaling 18 points, 10 assists, five steals, two rebounds, and a block.
Daily highlight: Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell pulled off the 360-degree spin bucket in a win over the Bulls.
Trivia answer: Ronald Acuña Jr.
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