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The Boston Red Sox did a good job making an impression on Juan Soto during their in-person meeting with the four-time All-Star on Thursday night.
Per Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, Soto was “impressed” by the Red Sox’s presentation that included their plans for the future, player evaluation methods, top prospects on the verge of making the big leagues and an outline of their ownership group.
Soto and agent Scott Boras have been meeting with teams throughout the week to gauge their level of interest in signing the superstar outfielder.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the New York Yankees and New York Mets are considered the favorites for Soto. The Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays were also cited as serious suitors, with the Los Angeles Dodgers cited as a potential option “in the unlikely event his market softens.”
Passan also noted that Francisco Lindor has joined in the recruiting efforts to bring Soto from the Bronx to Queens.
According to McAdam, the Red Sox did not discuss money or contract terms with Soto during their meeting as it was more of a introductory event at this point.
While Soto’s free-agency process is likely to keep going for awhile, Boston’s interest is at least a step in the right direction for a franchise that has shied away from big-money contracts in recent years.
Mookie Betts was traded by the Red Sox to the Dodgers prior to the 2020 season after turning down a long-term extension, though he has disputed reports that Boston’s offer was for at least $300 million.
The Dodgers wound up signing Betts to a 12-year, $365 million extension in July 2020. The nadir of Red Sox conservative financial management was losing out on Zach Eflin to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Boston did open up the wallet to extend Rafael Devers on an 11-year, $331 million contract extension in January 2023.
The last time the Red Sox signed a free agent to a contract worth at least $100 million was Trevor Story (six years, $140 million) in March 2022.
Any deal for Soto would almost certainly be the richest contract in Red Sox history. That honor currently belongs to Devers, but the expectation is the floor for Soto’s deal will be 10 years and $500 million.
The Red Sox need a spark to reignite their fanbase after missing the playoffs in five of the past six seasons. Signing Soto, especially after he became such a revered figure for the Yankees in 2024, would be exactly what they need.
Soto hit .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 homers in 157 games for the Yankees in 2024. He is one of three finalists for the AL MVP award, along with Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr.
