“He’s got great makeup,” David Ortiz names Juan Soto his successor if outfielder ends up with Red Sox in free agency

Juan Soto was apparently very impressed following a three-hour meeting with the Red Sox representatives on Thursday.

“He’s got great makeup,” David Ortiz names Juan Soto his successor if outfielder ends up with Red Sox in free agency

Juan Soto and David Ortiz [Image Credit: Imago]

Dominican outfielder Juan Soto has got the free agency spotlight completely wrapped around him. With the stakes as high as $600 million and plus, Soto is commanding a long-term deal with solid financial backing as well as a championship breed.

Currently, the frontrunners of the race are – the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. Thursday marked the beginning of the team meeting with the Red Sox being the first to woo the outfielder.

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Well, they indeed did a good job as MassLive reported a successful meeting between the Red Sox and Juan Soto. Apparently, the 26-year-old was “impressed” by the “productive” meeting. However, it is still soon to judge as the Mets, Yankees, and Blue Jays have yet to make their case.

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Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, however, has a positive view on the outcome. He believes the team’s past success with Dominican players will entice Soto to sign with them. If he does end up joining, Ortiz is excited to name him his successor.

If there was one player in baseball who could be the next David Ortiz in Boston, it is Juan Soto. He’s that good. He’s got great makeup…If there is a guy I would like to build a team around it would have to be Juan Soto.

David Ortiz as per Conor Roche of Boston.com.

Furthermore, a lineup consisting of Soto, Rafael Devers, and Manny Ramirez may potentially give the Red Sox the boost it needs to reach the World Series. David Ortiz believes the NY Yankees reached the World Series solely due to Soto. 

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Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto [Image Credit: Imago]

While Aaron Judge and others indeed proved to be pillars for the team, it was Soto who prompted the final rush. The Yankees clinched the ALCS and advanced to the World Series for the first time in 15 years since 2009. Ortiz believes Soto can boost any team to Championship level and he wants it to be his former team, the Red Sox.

Will Yankees being the top bidder confirm Juan Soto’s signing?

MLB insiders Bryan Hoch, Emmanuel Berbari, Max Goodman, and Sal Licata recently sat together for an in-depth discussion on Juan Soto’s free agency. When asked if they believe the NY Yankees need to be the top bidder to get Soto’s services, their answer was to be at least on par.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto (Image via NJ)

They said even if the Yankees are not necessarily on the top, they at least need to be close to the $600 million range or more. The asking price for Soto is expected to reach more than $600 million and may even go to the $700 million territory.

Hal Steinbrenner needs to put his all on the line if he wants Soto to remain with the team. The other top contenders include Mets and Red Sox. They are both prepared to dig deep if it means to get Soto in the lineup.

Not necessarily, but the $ will need to be close. Soto has repeatedly said his priority will be a winning situation. The Yankees can offer that, but so can others.

Bryan Hoch on X.

Then again many, Soto has enjoyed a fabulous 2024 run in the Bronx. Although the team eventually lost the World Series to the LA Dodgers, Soto tested the championship environment. The Yankees can definitely challenge the Cup once more in 2025 if they have Soto.

On the other hand, even if Soto joins there’ll be holes to fill in the lineup. Whether the Yankees will be able to do that after the dollar signing of Soto remains questionable. They may also let him walk away and get another player to sign less and add crucial players in required roster spots.

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It call comes down to Soto’s own will. He is looking for a long-term deal with a team that can provide stable financial backing while having the back to go into the World Series. Which team among the current runners will end up with Soto will be interesting to see.