By Conor Ryan Skepticism — if not outright apathy — has run rampant among Red Sox fans over the last few winters. After all, Boston has only punched its ticket to October once over the last six seasons. But the Red Sox’ relative inaction during the offseason in recent years have further twisted the knife for fans who once relished in seeing their team acquire top-flight talent every December.
After a supposedly “full throttle” offseason led to underwhelming returns in 2024, Red Sox fans have warranted reservations about any rumors linking Boston to more marquee talents in free agency. It’s why recent reports tying Boston to superstar outfielder Juan Soto have seen initial excitement give way to dubiety. While contending teams with deep pockets like the Yankees and Mets are expected to be frontrunners for Soto, ESPN’s Jeff Passan has tabbed Boston as one of the teams in the mix for the slugger.
Given Boston’s recent track record of balking during high-priced bidding wars, the Red Sox seem like a dark-horse candidate to reel in a free agent like Soto — who The Athletic projects to land a 13-year, $611 million contract this winter. Of course, Soto is not just any top free-agent target. He’s a generational talent — one with the skill (and age) that could justify Boston breaking from its offseason autopilot in hopes of ushering in a new era of contention.
Soto’s price tag will be steep. But for a team with the fiscal capabilities like the Red Sox, signing S.
