The Juan Soto sweepstakes is in full swing, and one team wants to make sure it has a chance to win the offseason's biggest prize.
The Red Sox increased their offer to at least $600 million, but are interested in another meeting with Soto and agent Scott Boras to get a number that would allow Boston to sign the outfielder. According to the Boston Globe.
This desire to talk again comes after Boston heard rumors that Mets owner Steve Cohen could offer $50 million more than any other team, the outlet reported Thursday. This stems from the fact that Cohen actually did so, but it is not clear whether Cohen would actually do so.
Despite this, the Globe notes that it is not even clear whether the talks will take place.
This comes as the Post's Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman reported that Soto is expected to earn a contract worth at least $600 million, and could even set an MLB record for current contract value. That's for later.
One team executive told Sherman this week that he views the Red Sox as a “serious” bidder for the Soto Derby.
“Here's why I think they're serious. They've let their fan base down a lot in recent years by not getting big contracts or by having players finish third, but this… With so much public interest, can they really do that?'' What if their fans aren't in it with both feet? ”
Bidders for Soto include the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, Dodgers and Blue Jays, and Soto is expected to be signed by the end of winter meetings next Thursday.
Soto, 26, entered free agency at an earlier age than most players experience in baseball, making the five-time Silver Slugger's craze even more unique.
Since being called up in 2018 at the age of 19, he has recorded an OPS of .953 over seven years, thanks in part to the major league's highest active on-base percentage (.421).
