Soto to Boston?

By Alexandria Evans

Winter is rolling around in Boston, but the threat of frigid weather isn’t the only thing brewing. Major League Baseball is beginning to reach peak offseason, with the rumor mill up and running regarding which teams will make moves to up their rosters. 

The most high-profile player on the plate right now is Juan Soto – the best hitter in baseball, who played a huge part in the Yankees World Series run. Now a free agent, teams around the league are scrambling for a shot at the prized hitter. 

According to reports by ESPN and the New York Post, Soto is scheduled to meet with several potential suitors this week, one of those being the Red Sox. So, what would Boston have to do to land a Juan Soto-caliber player? 

Money is the first thing key to taking a chance at picking up Soto. The 4x All-Star and World Series champ is worth upwards of $500 million. Though he’s estimated to go for at or around $600 million, reports have stated that he could come close to matching Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers. For Boston to have even the slightest chance at poaching Soto from their arch-nemesis, they need to be willing to pay more than a pretty penny- rightfully so. 

In recent years, the Red Sox have been relatively frugal, aiming at keeping spending low and refraining from bidding wars with other teams. However, the generational talent that Soto boasts is undeniable, and he would be a crucial piece in the Red Sox’s attempt to get out of the lackluster hole they’ve dug for themselves. 

In the time being, the Sox will have to battle with notoriously big spenders – the Mets and Yankees, two teams who are also in the mix to pick up/resign the veteran hitter.