Latest Juan Soto Report Adds Optimism To Red Sox’s Pursuit

The Juan Soto sweepstakes could come to a close as soon as this weekend, and the Red Sox remain in the hunt.

Boston is among five teams that include the New York clubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays that are vying for Soto’s services. Each club reportedly offered at least $600 million to the All-Star outfielder and met with him and agent Scott Boras at least once.

The Red Sox are seen as a strong contender, but there’s been mixed reporting on where they stand among the other suitors.

MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported Thursday that negotiations with Soto are “coming to a head” with the belief that the 26-year-old will make a decision possibly before the MLB winter meetings begin in Dallas on Monday.

It’s possible Soto signs a deal north of $700 million and possibly even surpasses the deal that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last free agency. McAdam added that “some — but not all — of the offers submitted to date for Soto have included deferred money.”

McAdam didn’t confirm nor deny whether Boston’s deal included deferred money, but it could benefit the club to sign Soto to a historic contract while also having enough resources to continue to add to the roster.

Soto and his team are still contemplating offers, and it was believed that teams would get one final meeting. However, McAdam reported “no additional meetings scheduled.” However, the MLB insider noted Soto and his representatives might meet with teams when they arrive in Dallas on Sunday.

What is clear about the Soto sweepstakes is that the Red Sox remain in the running with a realistic shot at landing the superstar.