This Big-Name World Series Champ Reportedly Wanted To Join Red Sox

The Red Sox reportedly were the preferred landing spot for one of the most sought-after free agents last Major League Baseball offseason.

NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch on Sunday shed light on Juan Soto’s free agency, which will be handled by super agent Scott Boras. Boras represents some of the biggest names in baseball, and he has a history of dragging things out in hopes of landing his client the best deal possible.

Soto probably won’t take that route, as several reports indicate he will sign a new contract before the calendar flips to 2025. And that expected quick decision could be a product of a lesson Boras learned last year.

“As another MLB executive said, ‘I expect there to be a decision fairly quickly’ based on Boras’ failed strategies last year,” Klapsich wrote. “His top two clients, Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, were held out until late March and paid a steep price. Snell didn’t sign with the Giants until March 19 and posted a 9.51 ERA in the first half of the season.

“Montgomery waited even longer hoping for a five-year pact. He instead settled for a one-year deal with Arizona on March 27. The left-hander, who wanted to sign with the Red Sox, fired Boras two weeks later.”

Not winning the Montgomery sweepstakes proved to be a blessing for Boston. The veteran southpaw was awful in his first season with the Snakes, who watched him post a 6.23 ERA over 117 total innings.

However, the Red Sox’s need for a frontline starter remains. And if Boston doesn’t land Soto, its primary focus could shift to acquiring a game-changing ace.