Red Sox

“The Red Sox are increasingly viewed as a legitimate contender in the generational hitter sweepstakes.”

The Red Sox’s reported interest in Juan Soto is well documented at this point.

But Boston is far from the only deep-pocketed team looking to sign the hard-hitting outfielder, with the Yankees and Mets considered leading candidates for the 26-year-old superstar’s services.

“If Soto makes his decision, there will be a ripple effect for other teams that have made these big investments,” Jon Morosi said Tuesday on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove.” “Say, for example, the Boston Red Sox, who are probably well behind the Mets and Yankees in the hierarchy of teams that have a chance at him.”

While Morosi signaled that the Red Sox are not in the same class as the Yankees and Mets when it comes to suitors for Soto, said Jon Heyman of the New York Post offered a different atmosphere on Tuesday evening.

“The Red Sox are increasingly viewed as a legitimate contender for the generational hitter as they are said to be increasing their efforts to lure the superstar slugger away from their historic AL East nemesis,” Heyman and Mark W. Sanchez wrote. “Sources say the Red Sox are looking to trade Soto to Boston – a fit both at Fenway Park and in the franchise’s history.”

While a left-handed hitter like Soto benefited from playing in Yankee Stadium (and its short right-field porch) in the 2024 season, a smaller ballpark like Fenway Park should also suit a player in Soto who can throw the ball all over the field can beat.

Fenway is already one of the more favorable ballparks for left-handed hitters, particularly hitters who can move the ball from the Green Monster to the opposite field for extra-base hits.

Soto fits such a profile. Last season, 18 of his 41 home runs with the Yankees were hit to left or center field.

But Heyman noted that beyond his fit at Fenway, the Red Sox are trying to convince Soto of his history — and his potential place in the team’s future success.

“During the Red Sox’s meeting with Soto and agent Scott Boras two weeks ago in California, which was attended by Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner, the team also highlighted its rich history with star players from the Dominican Republic,” Heyman and Sanchez wrote. “Ortiz and Pedro Martinez became legends in Beantown. Rafael Devers could become Soto’s lineup protector.”

The bid for Soto could top $600 million if he signs on the dotted line. There’s a compelling case to be made that both the Yankees and Mets offered Soto the best opportunity to compete for a title right away.

But as Heyman noted, the Red Sox have other options for trading Soto other than a big contract.

“They could also sell Soto as the only face of the franchise, which would be more difficult with the Yankees (because of Aaron Judge), Mets (Francisco Lindor), Dodgers (Ohtani, among others) and perhaps Blue Jays (though Vladimir Guerrero) Jr. can after the will be a free agent next season), Heyman wrote.

“The Red Sox can also say they are a team on the rise, with three of MLB Pipeline’s top 10 prospects in baseball. Soto is known to have asked clubs about their development systems in introductory meetings.”

---

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.

---