Juan Soto has met with five high-profile teams—the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers. But this is far from over; he’s not just looking for the best financial offer; he’s weighing a decade-long commitment that could shape the rest of his career. And now, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly in the mix, becoming the sixth team to sit down with the 25-year-old slugger. 

This is where it gets really interesting. Philadelphia isn’t just another franchise looking to add a big name; they already know Juan Soto. Soto has battled the Phillies as an opponent in the postseason, and the team’s recent success in the playoffs gives them the chance to sell him on their winning culture. With a core of MVP-caliber players like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies are positioned to compete for championships right now. 

The Phillies have an advantage that no other team can offer

Soto has played alongside Bryce Harper and Trea Turner during his time with the Washington Nationals, even winning a World Series alongside Turner. Then there’s Kevin Long, the hitting coach from those Nationals teams, and now, the Phillies’ hitting coach. According to Fansided.com, for a player like Soto, that kind of built-in chemistry could be a powerful draw. But here’s the thing: familiarity can be both a blessing and a curse.

Does Soto want to return to what he knows—will he reunite with old teammates and a coach he’s worked with before, or is he more focused on forging his own identity? The Phillies can offer him a team where he fits into an already-established core, but there’s a catch: in Philadelphia, Juan Soto would not be the face of the franchise. Bryce Harper holds that title. So, if Soto is seeking the spotlight and wants to build his legacy as the centerpiece of a team, that could tilt him toward the Mets, Blue Jays, or Red Sox. 

The deal with the Red Sox and Juan Soto 

Teams are lining up, trying to make their case and put their best foot forward to land the 26-year-old superstar. According to MassLive.com, the Red Sox have already made their pitch, and it wasn’t a quick sales job. In fact, their meeting reportedly lasted a solid three hours, complete with a star-studded presence, including manager Alex Cora, who made it clear the Sox are serious about their pursuit of Soto. 

Still, despite the extended meeting and all the history the team brought to the table, one thing is abundantly clear: No financial offer has yet been made. Now, while the Red Sox are showing a level of intent in this pursuit that hasn’t been seen in years, there’s still one massive question mark that looms over the entire situation: What does Soto actually want?

Sure, the Sox are well aware of his childhood admiration for the team. The squad has leaned into a video montage of Red Sox legends, with none other than David Ortiz front and center. Ortiz himself, however, has a sobering reality check—landing Juan Soto won’t be easy. While the Red Sox are doing everything they can to make this feel like a perfect fit, Soto’s decision will ultimately come down to more than just sentimental value.