Juan Soto has become the ultimate MLB treasure, with top teams dreaming of adding him to the lineup. After all, Soto is just 26 years old and has achieved much for his age. Now, GMs may drool over Soto leading their lineup, but while everybody wants him, only a few can afford the deal. Soto’s contract will possibly go up to $600 million and above; seven teams are in contention, but both New York teams, the Yankees and the Mets, seem to be leading.

However, it would be wrong to discount the rest; Jon Heyman recently noted the Boston Red Sox are a legit contender for Soto. As far as their meeting with Soto in California is concerned, it was great—they sold Soto not the money aspect but the franchise history. The team has a long history of Dominican players like David Ortiz; hence, it might help sway Soto. But not everyone is convinced that the Red Sox has what it takes to sweep Soto, including MLB insider Robert Murray.

Boston is desperate for Juan Soto, but can they clinch him?

MLB broadcaster Michael Kay recently shared on the Michael Kay Show podcast that the Red Sox are desperate to sign Juan Soto: “From everything I’m hearing, the Red Sox are really in on this. They are desperate.” It seems like for the Yankees, a rival is heading strong, but the big question is: How will the Red Sox rally in front of the New York Yankees and the New York Mets? Well, insider Murray doesn’t think the Red Sox can really clinch Soto—not with the Mets in the mix.

“I do think the Mets are the team to beat for Juan Soto,” Murray said on The Baseball Insiders podcast. According to him, Steve Cohen is willing to outbid anyone, and Steinbrenner can make as fruitful an offer as possible. “I’m still skeptical about John Henry outbidding Cohen and Steinbrenner for Soto,” said Robert Murray, and it’s not entirely wrong to assume, given that for Soto, money will be a huge deciding factor, as he probably will be signing a 15-year contract.

Cohen, meanwhile, is the richest individual owner and is ready to shell out $50 million more than what any of the team will offer to Juan Soto. The completion is fierce, so while the Red Sox’s pitch of having a rich history is great, only time can tell if that’s enough.

Red Sox explore other options with Dodgers getting Snell

The Red Sox may have their sights on Juan Soto, but let’s face it, not every interest can result in a great deal. Moreover, the Boston team has another pressing issue in hand—pitching! The Dodgers just snagged the two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. This means the Sox are left with fewer options, but enough to bolster their rotation. The two names coming up are Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Now, Burnes is a former Cy Young winner too, and hence, a hot commodity in MLB—landing him won’t be easy either, as the Mets with Cohen’s finances fit in here as well.

According to Jacob Hitz of Fox 43, even New York is ready to give Burnes a $200 million deal—that’s steep enough to match. So, the only name left for the Red Sox is Max Fried. While he may not be Snell’s level in terms of dominance, Max is a stunning pitcher—as a lefty, he brings the promise of forming a lovely trip with Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck. The Boston Red Sox have missed three straight postseasons, and they need to nail it this time. Whether they can lock in Soto, Burnes, or Fried remains to be seen.

What do you think is going to be the final choice for the Red Sox? Let us know below.