"Big Papi is playing a role in this and recruiting Juan Soto hard" - Randy Miller on David Ortiz’s efforts to bring 4x All-Star to the Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have so far looked like a strong contender for the Juan Soto sweepstakes. The team's sizeable offer of $600 million was already a positive sign. Then they had one of their stars, Rafael Devers, speak to the outfielder himself on call about the possible deal. It seems like they haven't stopped with Devers.
As per a report by Randy Miller on New York's WFAN Radio, they have also asked fellow Dominican and club legend David Ortiz to lure Juan Soto to the club. 'Big Papi' is communicating on behalf of the Red Sox to aid the negotiating process with Soto and his agent Scott Boras.
"I think it's going to come down to the Red Sox and Mets," Miller said. "From what I'm hearing, Big Papi is playing a role in this and recruiting Soto hard. I heard [Soto] was very impressed with the Red Sox and the Red Sox are telling Soto that they're going to bring in a couple of extra players in addition to him."
David Ortiz is a club legend for the Red Sox. In his fourteen seasons with the club, has won 10 All-Star caps along with 3x World Series titles. His jersey #34 is retired by the club and he is a proud member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Mets and Red Sox finalists to land Juan Soto, as per Randy Miller
Juan Soto's new home seems to be either in Queens or in Boston, as reported by NJ-dot-com reporter Randy Miller. The Mets and the Red Sox were the contenders alongside the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The latter were never heavily invested, while the former two seemed to have dropped out.
As per Miller, the Yankees will not breach the $550 million mark because of its luxury tax restrictions. The MLB's most successful franchise would seemingly miss out on the free agent who secured third place in the American League MVP standings for them this year.
“I think the Yankees, from what I hear, clearly they value him. But, I don't think the Yankees will go $600 million. I'm hearing the Yankees will probably top out in the $550 million range," Miller said.
The Red Sox have not been a major spender in the last few years and adding Soto would round out a resurgent batting lineup led by manager Alex Cora. Meanwhile, the Mets, who had pivoted from their spendthrift attitude, will become a top contender with the Dominican's inclusion.