The Boston Red Sox are reportedly gearing up to take an aggressive approach in free agency, a notable shift from their usual tactics. For years, fans have grown used to Boston stepping back from high-stakes negotiations, so this newfound boldness is a refreshing change.
Their primary target this offseason is clear. Like every team in the league, the Red Sox would love to bring Juan Soto on board. However, unlike most teams, Boston has a legitimate—albeit slim—chance of landing the four-time All-Star. Reports suggest Soto was impressed during initial meetings with Red Sox executives, giving Boston a glimmer of hope.
That said, the New York Yankees remain the favorites to sign Soto, according to Zachary Rotman of FanSided. Their status as AL champions and their ability to offer a long-term partnership with Aaron Judge make them a tough team to beat in these negotiations.
If the Red Sox can’t lure Soto away from the Yankees, it wouldn’t be shocking. Still, making their rivals sweat is a small win for Craig Breslow and the Boston front office. However, with the Yankees also reportedly pursuing another key Red Sox target, this offseason has the potential to spiral into a nightmare for Boston.
Max Fried has amiable 90-minute meeting with Yankees front office as Red Sox get nervous
It seems Max Fried had a highly encouraging meeting with the Yankees on Tuesday, while the Red Sox remain focused on pursuing top-tier free-agent pitchers. Boston is reportedly targeting multiple aces, with hopes of landing two from the group of Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell.
However, Snell is off the market, and Fried seems far from a lock for Boston. While the Yankees meeting doesn’t guarantee Fried will head to New York—he’s likely to have many positive meetings during free agency—it does raise the possibility of the Yankees retaining Juan Soto and adding an elite arm. This scenario could leave the Red Sox further behind in their uphill battle to catch their rival.
Fried, a lefty with postseason experience, would bring balance to Boston’s righty-heavy rotation. After earning his second All-Star nod with a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 29 starts, he’s a prime candidate to anchor the Red Sox staff, especially with Lucas Giolito expected back in 2025. Fried’s presence could transform Boston’s rotation into a formidable one, but the competition for his services is fierce.
With the starting pitcher market hotter than ever, Fried is set for a massive payday, whether he stays in Atlanta or explores new options. The Red Sox, as a storied franchise, have the resources to make an enticing offer, but the Yankees, coming off a season where they finished 13 games ahead of Boston, remain a daunting competitor. As things stand, the odds aren’t in Boston’s favor.
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