Where Red Sox’ pursuit of Juan Soto stands as Winter Meetings begin

Juan Soto

DALLAS — As the baseball world descends upon the Hilton Anatole on Sunday ahead of the annual Winter Meetings, there’s an industry-wide feeling that Juan Soto’s free agency decision is imminent. And so far, there’s no reason to believe the Red Sox have been eliminated.

As of early Sunday afternoon, Boston is believed to remain in the mix for Soto with negotiations between the superstar and all interested teams hurdling toward a conclusion. It’s unclear if final offers have been requested or submitted, though one person with knowledge of the negotiations said Sunday morning that all sides are “at an interesting point in the talks.” At least some top Boras Corporation officials have already arrived at the hotel where the Winter Meetings are being held. So have decision-makers from virtually every team, including at least one senior Red Sox official. By the end of Sunday, the entire baseball world will have arrived in Texas.

An industry source described Boston’s efforts on the Soto pursuit, to this point, as “an A+ effort.” But even if the Red Sox have pitched Soto on something the Aaron Judge-led Yankees and Francisco Lindor-led Mets can’t — being the unquestioned face of their team, something the reserved Rafael Devers likely wouldn’t mind at all — there’s still a feeling that Soto will probably sign for the biggest total guarantee. The industry has long believed the Mets would make a Godfather offer to land Soto no matter what it takes. But there’s palpable fear among interested teams Sunday that the Yankees might also be in that same boat. The Yankees, of course, offer Soto something the other interested teams (the Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers) can’t: familiarity and comfort after a successful first year in the Bronx.

On Saturday night, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that both New York teams had upped their offers into the $710-730 million range, soaring past expectations at the outset of the winter. Heyman noted that Soto was weighing “five enormous bids,” implying that no one — including the Jays or Dodgers — had been ruled out. Details of the Red Sox’ latest offer remain scarce but Heyman dubbed it a “very competitive bid.”

In any case, baseball should have its answer very soon.

Related Posts

⚡ MET STRATEGY SHIFT: With Tarik Skubal’s future uncertain, the Mets are reportedly turning their focus to Framber Valdez or Tatsuya Imai, signaling a high-stakes pitching adjustment that could reshape their rotation and playoff hopes..ll

New York can upgrade without a trade by targeting Framber Valdez or Tatsuya Imai.

💥 MET CONTRACT SHOCKER: Edwin Diaz of the Mets is predicted to land a massive $82 million deal, a move that could redefine the bullpen landscape and cement New York’s dominance in high-stakes late-game moments…ll

The New York Mets have big free agent decisions to make with both Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz.

💥 MET POWER PLAY PREDICTED: Rumors are swirling that the Mets could land a $350M World Series champion and 4-time All-Star, with a possible Juan Soto signing that would instantly transform New York’s lineup and send shockwaves through the league…ll

The New York Mets have potential to sign the biggest name this winter, but it comes at a Juan Soto cost.

🔥 YANKEES BOLD MOVE BREWING: Insiders are pushing for a seismic offseason shake-up as $7.75 million All-Star Jorge Polanco emerges as the ideal fix for struggling Ryan McMahon — a switch-hitting, contact-heavy dynamo who could instantly transform New York’s lineup, restore balance, and reignite the team’s World Series dreams heading into 2026..ll

Yankees urged to pursue $7.75 million All-Star to replace Ryan McMahon, upgrade lineup’s contact ability originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

⚡ YANKEES EYE LEGEND: The Yankees are reportedly in talks to bring back 64-year-old Don Mattingly as bench coach after he voluntarily stepped away from the Blue Jays, sparking speculation that his return could reshape the dugout and inject veteran leadership into a team hungry for postseason success…ll

Don Mattingly Could Join Yankees as Bench Coach After Leaving Blue Jays In a move that has caught the attention of MLB fans, the New York Yankees…

⚡ METS STRIKE AGAIN: Ji Hwan Bae has officially landed in New York off waivers, sparking intense chatter about whether this outfielder, who posted a .586 OPS in 163 MLB games but an impressive .805 OPS in Triple-A last season, can finally bring some much-needed firepower and shake up the lineup for the struggling Mets as they look to climb back into contention…ll

The New York Mets have claimed Ji Hwan Bae off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. This acquisition adds a versatile young player…