The Boston Red Sox are going all in this winter. Fenway Sports Group has given Craig Breslow the green light to spend big in free agency—they’re currently targeting Juan Soto. The 26-year-old is ready to command a record-breaking contract, likely around or higher than $600 million. A two-time All-Star and World Series champ, Soto is one of the most coveted hitters in baseball, and the Red Sox are ready to chase him aggressively. 

Yesterday, multiple reports stirred excitement, with some of the biggest names in sports journalism claiming that a deal between Juan Soto and the Boston Red Sox was imminent. With hints of a massive contract worth around $600 million over 12 years, this fueled speculations that the Red Sox were on the verge of landing one of the game’s top stars. However, in a crucial update, Jeff Passan of ESPN clarified that no deal has been finalized yet. 

Juan Soto – Red Sox deal possibility shakes the internet

Rumors started circulating on Thanksgiving that a significant offer had been made to Juan Soto by the Red Sox. Mike Rodriguez reported that Rafael Devers personally extended a 12-year deal worth over $50 million AAV. However, Hector Gomez quickly countered that report, claiming the Red Sox had upped their ante to a 13-year deal worth $625 million.

Then, ESPN’s Jeff Passan stepped in to correct both, clarifying that no deal was imminent. “I am thankful for reporters who don’t make up stories,” Passan wrote, further adding, “I am also thankful that Juan Soto has not agreed to any contract, which means you can get off Twitter and go spend the holiday with your family. Happy Thanksgiving.” 

So, for now, the Juan Soto—Red Sox team-up is still on hold; however, even though the deal isn’t finalized yet, the anticipation will only build moving forward. The Yankees, the Blue Jays, the Mets, and the rest of the league will certainly keep a close eye on the situation after the holiday season.

Juan Soto is on track to become one of the highest-paid MLB players ever. So if the Red Sox find themselves priced out of the race for him, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi suggests they could pivot to an old offseason target to bolster their outfield. Ironically, it’s the star from a team that recently poached Red Sox’s major pitching target.

Teoscar Hernandez continues to be in Boston’s radar

Morosi speculates that if the Soto deal falls through, Boston could once again turn their attention to Teoscar Hernández. He’s a talented power-hitting outfielder who has been linked to the Red Sox in previous winters. However, Boston may face competition for Hernández from the Seattle Mariners, where he spent last season, and potentially other teams in the market. If resolved, Hernández would provide the Red Sox with a potent middle-of-the-order presence. 

While the high-profile pursuit of Soto may dominate headlines, don’t be surprised if Hernández becomes a key backup plan for the Red Sox. They remain determined to improve their outfield in the quest for postseason contention. The Red Sox would need to make a serious offer to Teoscar Hernández. That is if they hope to take him away from Los Angeles, especially because last season, the proposed deal didn’t come with a pay raise from his 2023 Mariners salary.

Hernández was extended a qualifying offer by the Dodgers, which he rejected. But it’s clear the Dodgers still want to keep him, as he was a fan favorite on their World Series-winning team. With the Red Sox ramping up their commitment to spending, Hernández could be a more realistic option if the Soto deal falls through. Hernández has made it clear that he has a strong appreciation for Fenway Park and the Red Sox organization.

If Boston misses out on Soto, the front office should focus its resources on pursuing Hernández; he stands as arguably the team’s most likely plan B.