Juan Soto Rumors: What Star’s New Contract Could Cost Red Sox

The Red Sox appear to be very much in on Juan Soto, but they will have to pay up and then some to bring the superstar outfielder to Boston.

The initial field of Soto suitors determined after the 2024 World Series included the Red Sox, who reportedly are taking the pursuit very seriously. Craig Breslow and company are set to meet with the four-time All-Star this week, and one plugged-in MLB insider recently labeled the Red Sox a “legit player” in the Soto sweepstakes.

So, what would it take for Boston to make Soto a fixture at Fenway Park? ESPN’s Jeff Passan outlined what the Dominican phenom is set to fetch on the open market.

“If the money level was not clear at the beginning of the winter, it is now: Because of his age, Soto is going to warrant perhaps the longest contract in baseball history — Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million deal holds the record — and an expected guarantee in excess of $600 million,” Passan wrote in a column published Tuesday.

The trusted MLB insider also included a note about when Soto could put pen to paper.

“Soon enough, perhaps even before the winter meetings begin Dec. 9, we’ll learn where Soto lands,” Passan wrote. “This isn’t going to be something that stretches into the new year. The biggest deal ever by pure value (when factoring Ohtani’s deferrals) is coming.”

This reported timeline works in the Red Sox’s favor. If Boston doesn’t land the crown jewel of free agency, it can quickly pivot to other notable players on the market who will be waiting for the Soto domino to fall.

So, one way or another, the Red Sox are primed to make a splash this offseason.