The Boston Red Sox just had a productive first meeting with free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. On Thursday night in Southern California, the session included a formal presentation aimed at introducing Soto to the team. The Boston squad had team president Sam Kennedy, chairman Tom Werner, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and manager Alex Cora.
Juan Soto was accompanied by his representatives, including renowned agent Scott Boras. The meeting lasted about three hours and was described as a positive initial session. Red Sox has serious interest in landing the star outfielder; Soto was reportedly impressed by the Boston team’s presentation, which lasted about three hours. The team highlighted their rich history of star players from the Dominican Republic, Soto’s home country.
The Red Sox also emphasized their plans for the future, including a crop of top prospects set to join the major league roster soon. According to masslive.com, they outlined the structure of ownership and Fenway Sports Group. In return, Juan Soto focused on the team’s commitment to winning and player evaluation methods, asking further about the facilities at Fenway Park.
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There were no discussions about money or contract terms that took place at this early stage. Juan Soto is expected to seek a deal that could exceed 10 years and potentially top $500 million; some estimates even suggest that his total value could approach the $700 million mark. The deal is similar to Shohei Ohtani’s recent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soto will remain in Southern California through early next week, expected to meet with other teams including the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets.
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Why the Mets are still favorites to land Juan Soto
The bidding war for Juan Soto is likely to come down to which team is most willing to throw money at him. In this case, the New York Mets could have the upper hand. Steve Cohen, is the richest owner in baseball, at the moment. The Mets have made it clear they’re willing to ignore traditional financial restraint if it means transforming the team into a World Series contender.
Considering Steve Cohen’s handsome finances and aggressive approach, the Mets have been frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot for Soto for years. The team, still in the process of constructing a true National League powerhouse, would be an ideal fit for Soto. Adding the best young hitter in baseball would solidify their position as a major threat, simultaneously weakening their crosstown rival – the New York Yankees.
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What’s your perspective on:
Will the Red Sox's rich history be enough to lure Juan Soto away from the Mets' money?
Have an interesting take?
Juan Soto’s free agency is one of the most closely watched deals – the clear fit between him and New York, combined with Cohen’s wallet, makes them a strong contender. While other teams like the Yankees and Blue Jays will certainly make their push, it’s hard to see any club outmatching the Mets. Especially when it comes to the financial commitment required to land a generational talent like Soto.
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Debate
Will the Red Sox's rich history be enough to lure Juan Soto away from the Mets' money?