Red Sox Make Contract Offer to Juan Soto, Signaling Serious Pursuit

The Boston Red Sox are among the five teams that have made a contract offer to star free agent Juan Soto, as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. While the specifics of the offer remain undisclosed, it is clear that Boston is serious in its pursuit of the offseason's top free agent.

Boston's Bold Move
Writing for the New York Post, Mark W. Sanchez and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman indicated that the Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the race to sign the generational slugger. Boston is stepping up efforts to lure Soto away from their historic AL East rival, making a significant statement about their intentions for the upcoming season.

Free Agent Interests
In addition to Soto, the Red Sox have been linked to several other top free agents early in the offseason. This includes starting pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, infielder Willy Adames, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox were also in contention for Blake Snell before he agreed to a five-year deal with the Dodgers. With Snell off the market, Boston may now focus its attention on Fried to bolster their rotation.

Financial Flexibility
According to a report from the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are looking to add a top-tier starter even if they manage to sign Soto. However, signing Soto would reduce their financial flexibility. CEO/president Sam Kennedy has stated that the Red Sox are open to exceeding the first Competitive Balance Tax threshold of $241 million to achieve their goals. Currently, Cot's Baseball Contracts estimates the Red Sox's CBT number at approximately $164 million, leaving $77 million before reaching the tax threshold.

Potential Trade Options
​If the Red Sox are priced out of the market for elite free-agent pitchers, they may pursue trades to fulfill their need for an ace. Jon Paul Morosi suggests that Boston could be a team to watch in the trade market for White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox's depth of highly touted position-player prospects could make them an attractive trade partner for the White Sox.