MLB Insider Believes Red Sox Have This ‘Advantage’ In Juan Soto Sweepstakes

Signing with the Red Sox could be a full-circle moment for Juan Soto.

Soto, the most coveted player in MLB free agency, grew up a “huge” Boston fan, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. As a youngster in Santo Domingo, Soto watched Dominican legends David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez help the Red Sox put together a golden era for the franchise.

Fast forward a decade-plus and Boston reportedly is among the clubs squarely involved in the Soto sweepstakes. While the four-time All-Star likely will take his talents wherever the biggest check is presented, the Red Sox’s rich history with Soto’s countrymen could help Boston in its pursuit.

“The Red Sox have one advantage: Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz are legends in Boston and Soto knows that,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote in a column published Tuesday. “Big Papi is surely trying to recruit him to Fenway.”

Ortiz reportedly isn’t the only person with Red Sox stardom who’s trying to push Soto toward Boston. Rafael Devers, another Dominican Republic native, and Dustin Pedroia apparently have spoken to the 26-year-old as well.

So, while the Red Sox face stiff competition in the Soto sweepstakes, it sure seems like they’re doing all they can to appeal to one of the best players in baseball.