Thanksgiving wasn’t just a day for turkey and stuffing—it also served up a piping hot dish of MLB free agency drama. This year’s most laughable rumor? That Juan Soto, the Yankees’ powerhouse outfielder, might be heading to the Red Sox. Yankees fans wasted no time roasting Boston’s fanbase, mocking their newfound confidence in securing a player of Soto’s caliber.

Juan Soto’s dominance in Pinstripes and the offseason chaos

It’s easy to see why Juan Soto is the talk of the baseball world. The 26-year-old had a phenomenal 2024 season with the Yankees, crushing 41 homers, driving in 109 runs, and scoring 128 times with a .989 OPS. His playoff numbers were just as stellar—hitting .327 with four homers in 14 games as the Yankees reached their first World Series since 2009.

Nothing is real unless Passan drops it

— Jacob P.M.🌔 (@JacobBSpeaks) November 28, 2024

Despite Juan Soto’s incredible impact in the Bronx, Thanksgiving chatter took a turn when whispers emerged about a potential move to the Red Sox. Boston fans were quick to grab onto the rumor, sparking a wave of overconfidence. Yankees fans, on the other hand, were quick to point out the absurdity.

Red Sox rumors: A holiday rabbit hole

Be careful when Googling “Juan Soto” and “Boston Red Sox.” What might seem like a straightforward search could lead you down a rabbit hole of speculation, humor, and even a touch of despair—a journey some fans, and even The Athletic, have found themselves on recently. According to The Athletic’s words, whispers of contact between Soto’s camp and the Red Sox have stirred up chatter among baseball insiders, with some floating the tantalizing possibility of a blockbuster deal.

Yet, even Red Sox fans, hardened by years of unfulfilled offseason promises, are skeptical. Boston, after all, has earned a reputation for being “in on” nearly every marquee free agent, only to falter when it comes to closing the deal. Steve Buckley, writing for The Athletic in an article titled, “Don’t Expect Red Sox, Juan Soto to Equal Thanksgiving 2003, but It’d Be a Nice Surprise”, expressed similar doubts. While a Soto-to-Boston scenario might seem like a dream come true for Red Sox Nation, Buckley suggests it’s more of a long shot than a genuine possibility.

“Which brings us back to Soto. No, it won’t be enough for Craig Breslow, chief baseball officer for the Red Sox, to show up at the Soto manse for Thanksgiving. The Red Sox, Dodgers, New York Mets, Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have made offers. The deal could be worth $700 million, which is staggering.” Wrote Steve Buckley this Thursday morning.

To seasoned Sox supporters, the Soto buzz felt like another offseason mirage—a fleeting glimmer of hope destined to evaporate. Meanwhile, Yankees fans seized the moment to mock Boston for daring to dream.

Yankees rans have their fun

Yankees fans took to social media to pile on, with memes, jokes, and jabs highlighting Boston’s inability to land marquee players in recent years. The running joke? Boston might be “in on” Soto, but when push comes to shove, they’d fall back on excuses and opt for budget-friendly alternatives.

Even ESPN’s Jeff Passan got in on the action, delivering a holiday-themed reality check:

“I am thankful for reporters who don’t make up stories. I am also thankful that Juan Soto has not agreed to any contract, which means you can get off Twitter and go spend the holiday with your family.”

Passan’s comment poured cold water on the rumors, leaving Red Sox fans scrambling for explanations and giving Yankees fans even more to laugh about.

Red Sox offseason woes

For Red Sox fans, the Soto speculation was just another chapter in a long saga of offseason letdowns. Three consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance have left the Fenway faithful restless. The front office’s cautious approach to spending has made big-name acquisitions feel like pipe dreams—especially when a player like Soto could command upwards of $600 million.

Still, the idea of adding a generational talent like Soto was enough to spark fleeting excitement, even if the Yankees faithful were quick to remind Boston fans of their team’s recent track record.

What’s next for Juan Soto?

As the Winter Meetings approach, the baseball world eagerly awaits Juan Soto’s decision. While the Yankees remain strong contenders to re-sign their star, other teams, like the Mets, are rumored to be circling with big offers. One thing is certain: wherever Soto ends up, his decision will shape the MLB landscape for years to come.

In the meantime, Yankees fans will keep poking fun, Red Sox fans will keep hoping, and Juan Soto will continue being the hottest name in the offseason rumor mill.