Red Sox Obstacle to Sign Juan Soto in Free Agency Revealed
By Cem Yolbulan
For the second offseason in a row, there is a Juan Soto sweepstakes in the MLB. Last year, the New York Yankees won it by trading for him. In return, the star slugger propelled the Yankees to the World Series.
Now, he is a free agent and there is a bidding war for his services once again. The Boston Red Sox are amongst the teams that have reportedly made an offer for Soto. There have been conflicting reports about where Boston ranks among Soto's suitors but it's clear that the Red Sox have made a competitive offer to the 26-year-old bat.
It turns out, however, they may not have the offer to beat. Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported on Thursday that the Red Sox offer likely lags behind the Mets'. Owner Steve Cohen reportedly told Soto's agent Scott Boras that the Mets are willing to beat any offer they receive from other teams.
"The Mets and owner Steve Cohen loom large. The Sox are aware of rumors that Cohen told Boras he would go $50 million beyond any other team’s highest offer. Whether accurate or not, the perception of Cohen’s willingness to spend to such heights lords over the bidding and how teams approach it."
- Alex Speier, The Boston Globe
Boras is known to drive a difficult bargain. He gets his players paid more than any other agent in the game and is willing to be uncomfortable until he gets his way. This could be a negotiating tactic by him to get the most money for his client while still getting him to his preferred destination.
It was reported earlier that the meeting between the Red Sox and Soto went well, and the front office made a good impression. It sounds like the Red Sox will not be able to offer the most money to Soto, but if the four-time All-Star prioritizes fit and chemistry over money, the Red Sox could have a shot.
The Red Sox are competing against the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and the Blue Jays for Soto's services. Signing the best free agent available will go a long way in showing that they mean business next season.
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