In Juan Soto's meetings with his many potential future teams, he and his agent have asked about more than just money.
The 26-year-old outfielder hopes to play for a winner. While having plenty of change to spend on quality talent is surely helpful, the team's funds aren't everything. Soto has inquired about the player development systems of the clubs he's met with so far, a line of questioning that could give the Boston Red Sox an advantage in the race.
Soto seeks a long-term deal this offseason, and likely hopes to sign with a team that can sign elite players but also develop top-tier talent. Fox Sports MLB reporter Deesha Thosar shared that Soto asked Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner about his ballclub's "player development process," which he's likely asked all his suitors. If that's the case, the Red Sox could have a leg-up on even the most talented teams.
Boston touts six top 100 prospects, including three in the top 10. Most of its elite-level talent nears MLB readiness, and the Red Sox have promised to compete when that happens. The team has already begun to change its approach — just last season, the Sox may not have even tried to sign Soto.
Juan Soto's questions about player development could favor the Red Sox in free agent race
Hal Steinbrenner said Soto had questions about the Yankees’ player development process during their meeting in California. Steinbrenner said: “I just think he didn’t really spend any time at our player development complex. He’s asking this about all the clubs, I’m sure. He just…
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) November 20, 2024
Almost every other big market team Soto has met with also has a deeper farm system and better pool of talent nearing their debut than the Yankees do. The Mets, Dodgers and Phillies all have at least four top-100 prospects and the Yankees only have one who has already reached the major leagues.
The Yankees are also an aging team with an already high budget. Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton aren't getting any younger, and most of New York's talent rests with them. Soto is closer in age to the Red Sox's core with plenty of young, controllable talent on the way, and they'll continue to develop alongside him.
Player development processes won't be the most influential factor in Soto's signing decision, but the future of the clubs he's interested in will surely be considered. While the Mets, Dodgers and Phillies may rival the Red Sox in terms of their outlook for the future, the Yankees fall behind in that category.