Red Sox hold ‘productive’ 3-hour meeting with free agent slugger Juan Soto
The Red Sox met with free agent slugger Juan Soto in southern California on Thursday night, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam.
The two sides first meeting was described as "productive" and was led by team president Sam Kennedy, chairman Tom Werner, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and manager Alex Cora. The Red Sox offered a formal presentation to Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, designed to introduce him to the organization.
Soto reportedly was impressed by the Red Sox’ presentation, which included a video of the franchise’s history of star players from the Dominican Republic. Boston laid out their plans for their future, which included their top prospects closing in on a big league promotion and outlined the ownership and Fenway Sports Group.
Soto wanted to know about the team’s commitment to winning, which has been under fire the last couple of seasons, player evaluations, and Fenway Park and facilities.
The Red Sox and Soto did not discuss money or terms of contact in this introductory meeting. The first session between both sides was described as more informational in nature.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that the Soto is at the top of the Red Sox’s “want list.”
Soto is coming off an MVP-caliber season for the American League champion New York Yankees. He batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBI and owned a .419 on-base percentage. The 26-year-old holds an impressive postseason resume, which includes a 2019 World Series title with the Nationals and winning a pennant with the Yankees this past season.
Soto is expected to land a contract longer than 10 years, and the value of the deal should exceed $500 million. The outfielder is expected to meet with both the Yankees and Mets in southern California early next week. Soto is the top free agent on the market and will instantly upgrade the Red Sox lineup that includes Rafael Devers, Triston Casas, Trevor Story, and Jarren Duran.
Soto is a generational star that checks off many boxes for the Red Sox by adding more star power to their roster and lineup, a future Hall of Fame-caliber player who hits for average and power.
