A former Major League Baseball general manager expects the Red Sox to take a big swing this offseason and sign an impact starting pitcher.
However, there might be a chance Boston makes an even bigger splash on the open market.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman on Wednesday revealed seven teams that have inquired about Juan Soto, the best player available in MLB free agency. While the list was topped by the usual suspects — Yankees, Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers — there were a few surprises.
One of them was the Red Sox, who are “quietly laying the groundwork to begin spending and competing again after completely laying low for years,” per Heyman. Boston wasn’t expected to be in the mix for Soto, as the club’s clear priorities are pitching — both starting and relief — as well as a right-handed bat.
Heyman’s report of Boston being interested in Soto caught fans off guard, and you can see their reactions on social media by clicking the link here.
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Craig Breslow and company figure to have an opportunity to speak with Soto and his team, at a minimum. The generational outfielder made his open-mindedness very clear after the Yankess’ World Series loss, explaining he was going to “be available for all 30 teams.”
That said, other clubs seem more likely than the Red Sox to give Soto the contract he probably covets, which could compare to the monstrous pact made by Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers last offseason. Boston, meanwhile, seems more inclined to use its resources on a variety of additions, not just one player.
Featured image via Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images
