The Boston Red Sox remain in on Juan Soto as the slugger nears a deal at the upcoming Winter Meetings.
As the Yankees and Mets continue to dominate the headlines in the bidding war for Soto's services, which includes offers in the $700 million range from both squads, the Red Sox are "believed to remain in the mix," according to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive. It is unclear what Boston's highest offer to the outfielder is.
Most reporters still expect Soto to sign with the highest bidder, and Boston's effort to sign Soto has been characterized as "an A+" by one of MassLive's sources. Still, the Red Sox will need a backup plan based on the competition.
Red Sox remain 'in the mix' for Juan Soto but look to Teoscar Hernández as their preferred fallback option
MLB insider Mark Feinsand reports the Red Sox will pursue Teoscar Hernández if they cannot sign Soto. The Blue Jays and Yankees will pivot to the righty if they whiff on Soto as well. Boston has also considered former Oriole Anthony Santander as a backup plan for its outfield, but it prefers Hernández.
With colleague @ChrisCotillo: Where Red Sox’ pursuit of Juan Soto stands as Winter Meetings begin https://t.co/rRf05K4OUo
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) December 8, 2024
Recent rumors suggest that Hernández is close to a reunion with the Dodgers, his 2024 club. Los Angeles embraced the veteran's personality on and off the field, and based on the team's seemingly limitless budget, it could be hard to lure him to Boston.
Red Sox losing steam in the Garrett Crochet market
After his Soto updates, Cotillo shared that the Red Sox have not been characterized as "aggressors" in the trade market for young hurler Garrett Crochet. The Yankees and Reds appear to be the biggest threats to acquire the 25-year-old.
It has previously been stated that the Sox could be frontrunners in the race for Crochet and that Gold Glove-winning rookie Wilyer Abreu could potentially headline such a deal. Chicago has shifted its interest to prospects, though, and although the Red Sox have an excess of young talent to spare, the asking price for Crochet has been excessive in the past.
All of the focus is on Juan Soto, but the Red Sox have earnestly discussed the possibility of trading Triston Casas this winter, according to a new report. https://t.co/tqDwF46Oz7
— masslivesports (@masslivesports) December 8, 2024
Boston may be 'open' to trading Triston Casas for pitching
Multiple proposed Red Sox trade packages, including projected trades for Crochet, have included first baseman Triston Casas. Boston has recently revealed it is "open" to trading the first baseman, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.
Previous statements from Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow appeared to highlight the team's reluctance to trade Casas. Now, after more pitchers have been removed from the market as Boston's focus remains on Soto, the Sox's stance on Casas seems to have changed.
Speier considers the likelihood of a Casas trade as "fairly limited" after the young slugger was held to just 63 games last season due to a rib injury, which also limits his trade value. Breslow emphasized that no players are firmly off the trade block this winter, though, which means anything is possible in Boston's pursuit of top-tier pitching.