The Red Sox have emerged as a favorite — maybe THE favorite — to land
Yankees free agent Juan Soto, two people with knowledge of the contract negotiations told NJ Advance Media.
The Yankees are still hopeful of re-signing Soto, but they’re now more worried about their AL East rival Red Sox than the crosstown rival Mets, who have the richest owner in Steve Cohen.
The people requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
One person said that David Ortiz, a Hall of Fame slugger and Red Sox legend, has been trying to convince Soto to sign with Boston by talking up the city, the organization, manager Alex Cora and the farm system, which includes three of the top 10 prospects in the majors in MLB Pipeline’s rankings.
The person with knowledge also told NJ Advance Media that the Red Sox have told Soto that they intend to sign two additional big-money free agents, another hitter and a pitcher. The Red Sox also are among the favorites for a winter trade with the Cardinals for superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is on the block.
It’s believed the Red Sox,
Mets and Blue Jays are all in on Soto, with the Yankees and Dodgers also in contention. The 26-year-old outfielder finished third in the 2024 American League MVP vote after hitting .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBI and a .989 OPS in 157 games last season, his first with the Yankees.