Pros, Cons Of Red Sox’s Reported Approach To Juan Soto Pursuit

The Red Sox are laying it all out on the table in their pursuit of Juan Soto.

Boston reportedly made a brash (but possibly ingenious) decision this week, expressing interest in an additional meeting in which Soto and agent Scott Boras would “identify a price that would get a deal done,” according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

Soto and Boras haven’t confirmed or denied whether such a meeting would occur, as they’ll weigh how impactful sitting down to hammer out details could be. The Red Sox essentially put the ball in their court, which comes with potential pros and cons for a franchise looking to make a major splash.

PRO: THE ENDGAME IS NEAR
Soto probably could wait this thing out forever, but all signs have pointed to a deal getting done by the conclusion of MLB’s Winter Meetings in Dallas.

The Red Sox likely wouldn’t mind waiting just another week, but securing this meeting could speed up the process on their side. Soto could give them a number, they could sign the check right there, and then the biggest free agent of the class would be secured. It’s also entirely possible he comes in with something ludicrous, they decide against it, and then they get a jump start on other high-profile free agents while the New York Yankees and New York Mets wait with bated breath over the slugger’s decision.

CON: WILL HE LIKE THE PRESSURE?
Soto has never seemed like the guy who would crumble under pressure, but forcing him into providing the final number could be an easy way to ruffle his feathers. It’s customary that teams continue to outbid each other (and sometimes themselves) until the others tap out.

Boston, if this report is to be believed, is essentially expecting the 26-year-old to give up his leverage. It’s a big ask.

CON: IT COULD TURN HIM OFF COMPLETELY
Soto, like many other top-tier free agents, probably likes being chased. Could this move turn him off entirely to the idea of coming to Boston?

PRO: HE COULD ALSO RESPECT THE MOVE
Do you remember that scene from “Ted,” when the teddy bear works at a supermarket and essentially rises the ranks by … making brash decisions? Soto could very well be like the manager in that movie, where such a bold choice earns his respect so much that he moves the Red Sox to the top of his list.

PRO: THE RED SOX ARE SERIOUS
Boston has reportedly already made an offer of $600 million for the once-in-a-generation bat, and by requesting such a meeting, it signals the club is willing to go even higher. It’s been a while since we’ve been willing to call them serious spenders, but we’re close to applying that tag to them once again.

The Sox just have to get this thing done.