The Boston Red Sox are making some noise in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, and it’s more than just a passing interest. For a team that has plenty of needs to address this offseason—particularly in the starting pitching department—the Red Sox’s involvement in the race for Soto is a significant development. In fact, Boston’s pursuit of the four-time All-Star outfielder appears to be much more serious than many initially anticipated.
The Unexpected Contender
When the 2023 MLB season came to a close, most observers expected the Red Sox to focus their resources on bolstering their pitching staff. With major holes in the rotation and a bullpen that could use some extra depth, starting pitching was widely considered to be Boston’s top priority. Few would have expected the club to dive headfirst into the Juan Soto market.
But as ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, the Red Sox are very much in the mix. The team is reportedly one of the top suitors for Soto, who is expected to command one of the richest contracts in MLB history. Not only that, but the Red Sox are preparing for a meeting with Soto, making them the second team this week to sit down with the 26-year-old superstar. Passan also noted that Soto is “at the top” of Boston’s “want list” heading into the winter.
It’s a move that signals the Red Sox are operating with a win-now mentality, and they’re not afraid to make a splash to compete with the big spenders in baseball’s talent arms race.
The Competition for Soto’s Services
Soto’s status as one of the most coveted players in free agency isn’t just hyperbole—he’s a four-time All-Star, a former batting champion, and a bona fide MVP candidate. His combination of elite on-base skills, power, and plate discipline make him one of the most complete hitters in the game, and it’s no surprise that the market for his services is fierce.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who are also expected to be active players in the pursuit of Soto, will have the first crack at meeting with him. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets, two of the biggest spenders in MLB, have also been labeled as the favorites by Passan to land Soto.
In other words, the Red Sox are stepping into a crowded field of contenders. And while it’s still far from certain that Soto will ultimately land in Boston, the fact that the team is even in the conversation speaks volumes about the direction of the franchise under new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
Boston’s Commitment to a Long-Term Vision
The Red Sox have been rebuilding their roster in recent years, shifting to a more sustainable model with a focus on player development and long-term success. However, adding a generational talent like Soto could dramatically accelerate that process. While the club still has major decisions to make regarding pitching, an acquisition of Soto would give Boston one of the best lineups in baseball, with the potential to compete with the top teams in the American League for years to come.
For the Red Sox front office, it’s not just about adding a star to the roster—it’s about positioning the team for sustained success. A long-term commitment to Soto could set Boston up to remain competitive well into the 2020s. Of course, that kind of deal would come at a steep price. Soto is expected to command a contract worth well over $400 million, putting the Red Sox in the same financial stratosphere as some of the richest franchises in the sport. But as the Red Sox learned in the past with big contracts to players like David Price and Chris Sale, sometimes you have to spend big to win big.
What’s Next?
It’s still early in the process, and there’s plenty of time for the landscape to change. While the Red Sox are clearly in the hunt for Soto, they’ll need to outbid and outmaneuver a few heavyweights to secure his services. However, Boston’s presence in this race is a clear sign that they are committed to improving the team’s offense in a major way.
There’s also the possibility that this pursuit signals a shift in Boston’s approach to roster construction. If the Red Sox are willing to make a run at one of the best players in baseball, it suggests that the front office is ready to spend and make a statement on the free-agent market.
For now, the Red Sox are very much in the Soto conversation. Whether or not they can close the deal remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the pursuit of Juan Soto is far from a mere formality for Boston—it’s a genuine, high-stakes attempt to land a player who could change the trajectory of the franchise.
Stay tuned—this winter’s free-agent market just got a whole lot more interesting.
