It's rare to keep a superstar in their struggles for a long time. In 2024, the Red Sox interestingly held Juan Soto down at a remarkable pace.
The New York Yankees' MVP contender batted .160 with 10 strikeouts in 13 games against Boston in 2024, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. Soto was one of the best players in the American League, recording 76 extra-base hits in his first year in pinstripes.
But it wasn't just this season that Boston flashed its dominance over Soto. For his career, Soto is a .176 hitter against the Sox, his second-worst mark against any team, trailing only Detroit (.171). Whatever magic the Red Sox concoct to put Soto away will have to carry into the 2025 season, whether he re-signs with New York on a gargantuan deal or not.
Not every expert thinks that Soto will shake hands with the Yankees or the Mets — which could still be bad news for Boston. Chris Cotillo, a Red Sox reporter for MassLive, thinks that Soto will remain in the AL East, but will ink a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Red Sox reporter predicts Juan Soto will land with the Blue Jays, remain in the AL East this offseason
With free agency officially underway, who will sign Juan Soto this offseason? pic.twitter.com/FYL38eGpCz
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 5, 2024
This prediction is not far-fetched. The Blue Jays have a ton of room in their payroll to afford a Soto contract that is almost guaranteed to be north of $500 million. Toronto was involved in last offseason's sweepstakes for Shohei Ohtani, who eventually signed $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soto won't cost as much as the Japanese All-Star, which hints at the Blue Jays having the opportunity to play spoiler and swoop in for the 26-year-old outfielder.
Soto is open to discussing a deal with all 30 clubs in MLB, which is a bit of a gut punch to the Yankees. He discussed his open-minded approach just minutes after New York lost in the World Series, so he made it clear that his priorities are sorted out already. Soto's comments undoubtedly made every other team more excited for their chances of signing him, and Toronto would be at the top of the list.
Will Boston's witchcraft against Soto continue? If he goes to Toronto or back to the Bronx, Red Sox Nation should hope the magic doesn't run out. Prepare to refill the chalice.