Details emerge from Juan Soto’s meeting with Red Sox

Feb 25, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Juan Soto (22) smiles in the dugout against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox appear to have legitimate interest in Juan Soto, and they reportedly made a good impression on the free-agent slugger during a meeting this week.

Soto met with Red Sox executives in Southern California on Thursday, according to a report from Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. Manager Alex Cora and several members of Boston’s front office were present for the meeting, which lasted around three hours.

McAdam was told by sources that Soto was impressed with the Red Sox’s presentation. Soto was shown a video that recapped the franchise’s rich history and plans for the future. The presentation also highlighted the impact players who were born in the Dominican Republic — Soto’s native country — have had in Boston. That list includes MLB legends like Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.

Soto was also interested in hearing about how committed the Red Sox are to winning, which is something fans have questioned in recent years.

The two sides did not discuss money, so no formal offer was made. Soto might seek a record deal, and the Red Sox are one of a handful of teams with the financial resources to pay a player that kind of money.

Soto hit .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI and a .989 OPS with the New York Yankees this season. He was even better in the playoffs, when he batted .327 with 4 homers, 9 RBI and a 1.101 OPS in 14 games. That performance has given him even more leverage heading into free agency.

The Red Sox are not the only Yankees rival that is planning to make a run at Soto.