In a development that has Red Sox Nation buzzing, Juan Soto, one of MLB’s most sought-after free agents, spent three hours in an exclusive meeting with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday evening. Reports suggest the 26-year-old slugger left “impressed” by Boston’s pitch, describing the session as “productive.” But an unexpected twist has fueled speculation: a recently unearthed video where Soto declares the Red Sox his favorite MLB team.
A Childhood Connection to Boston’s Dominican Legends
The Spanish-language channel El Padi TV shared a video clip on Friday that could shift the free-agent narrative. In the interview, Soto openly expresses his admiration for the Red Sox, citing the influence of Dominican superstars Manny Ramírez, David Ortiz, and Pedro Martínez. These three legends, synonymous with Boston’s championship dominance in the early 2000s, appear to have made a lasting impact on Soto during his formative years.
“After learning that Juan Soto was impressed by the three-hour presentation by the Boston Red Sox last night, we want to share a special memory with you,” El Padi TV posted on social media. “Juan revealed his favorite teams are the Boston Red Sox and the Tigres del Licey.”
The Tigres del Licey, based in Soto’s hometown of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, are a historic franchise in the Dominican Professional Baseball League with 11 championships, an influence that shaped Soto’s early love for the game.
Red Sox Highlight Dominican Legacy in Their Pitch
The Red Sox delegation, which included team Chair Tom Werner, President Sam Kennedy, Chief of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow, and Manager Alex Cora, leaned heavily on Boston’s Dominican legacy during their meeting. Their pitch emphasized the franchise’s history with Dominican stars, from Pedro Martínez anchoring their rotation to Ortiz and Ramírez propelling the offense during their World Series triumphs in 2004 and 2007.
Boston’s commitment to Dominican talent remains strong today. Rafael Devers, a Santo Domingo native and the franchise’s cornerstone third baseman, signed a $313.5 million, 10-year extension before the 2023 season. Devers is a key part of the Red Sox’s vision for sustained success—a vision Soto could potentially join.
No Dollar Figures Yet, but Stakes Are Sky-High
While Thursday’s meeting reportedly avoided any discussion of financial terms, it’s clear Boston will need to go all-in to secure Soto. According to veteran Red Sox insider Sean McAdam, the organization understands that Soto won’t settle for merely surpassing Devers’ deal. Estimates suggest Boston may need to offer between $500 million and $600 million to land the generational talent.
The Red Sox’s willingness to fly top executives across the country underscores the seriousness of their pursuit. Soto, who has already racked up a résumé most players would dream of—including a World Series title with the Nationals in 2019 and a batting title in 2020—would demand a long-term deal reflective of his superstar status.
What’s Next for Boston and Soto?
Soto’s fondness for the Red Sox, combined with Boston’s Dominican legacy and the organization’s aggressive pitch, could place Boston as a frontrunner in the Soto sweepstakes. However, with other big-market teams expected to make serious offers, the battle for his signature is far from over.
Should the Red Sox land Soto, it would signify more than just acquiring a superstar—it would mark a statement of intent to dominate the AL East for years to come. But if Boston hesitates, Soto’s admiration for the team may remain just that: admiration from afar.
The ball is in Boston’s court. Will they step up and deliver a record-shattering deal to bring Soto to Fenway, or will another suitor steal their shot at pairing him with Devers in a lineup that could redefine the franchise’s future? Only time will tell.
