MLB sportscaster claims "Red Sox are desperate" as Yankees raise bid for Juan Soto, sees Corbin Burnes, Max Fried as Boston's top targets
The New York Yankees pursuit of All-Star slugger Juan Soto has reportedly taken another turn as the Bronx Bombers have increased their initial offer for the Dominican free agent.
Although the Yankees' meeting with Juan Soto went 'well' last Monday, New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that the Bronx Bombers have upped their initial offer for Juan Soto on Wednesday.
Following the report, MLB broadcaster Michael Kay shared the Boston Red Sox's position in Juan Soto's sweepstakes on "The Michael Kay Show" podcast on Wednesday night.
He said (3:03):
"From everything I'm hearing, the Red Sox are really in on this. They are desperate, and their fan base has started to abandon them. They are really angry. They've got some of the highest prices in all sports at Fenway Park and they are not putting a good product on the field.
"The Red Sox and John Henry know they've got to do something. So even if they don't get Soto, they're going to be big on Corbin Burnes and Max Fried."
The Red Sox have been reported to be one of the teams going after Juan Soto in free agency. However, John Henry's team is competing against the Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Toronto Blue Jays for the singing of the coveted superstar.
Red Sox eyeing Max Fried innfree agency after Dodgers sign Blake Snell
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly looking to strengthen their pitching in the offseason apart from their pursuit of Juan Soto. However, with the Dodgers winning the race for two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, the Red Sox could have to pivot to either Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes or Max Fried.
But a deal for Burnes is not going to come cheap, especially with the New York Mets reportedly upping their interest in the former Baltimore Orioles ace. According to Jacob Hitz of FOX 43, the Mets are going to sign the four-time All-Star ace on a seven-year, $200 million deal.
However, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that John Henry's team are one of the favorites for Max Fried after Snell's signing with the World Series winners.
Although, Fried is not as dominant as Snell, the former Atlanta Braves pitcher is still one of the left-handed pitchers in the league and could form a strong trio with Red Sox's Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck. The Red Sox have not been in postseason contention in the last three years and fans are adamant on a solid offseason for the 2025 season.