BREAKING NEWS: Red Sox Reportedly Offered $600M+ Deal to Star Outfielder Juan Soto Before Mets Signing
April 13, 2025 | Boston, MA — In one of the most aggressive free agency pursuits in franchise history, the Boston Red Sox reportedly offered star outfielder Juan Soto a contract exceeding $600 million during the 2024-2025 MLB offseason, multiple sources have confirmed. The deal, which would have shattered Red Sox financial records, ultimately fell short as Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in late December.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the Red Sox viewed Soto as a generational talent capable of transforming the team’s competitive trajectory for the next decade. Boston’s front office, under Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, made Soto their top offseason priority and entered discussions early in the free agency period with what insiders described as “an aggressive and flexible” long-term proposal.
The offer was said to be structured with front-loaded incentives, opt-out clauses, and performance bonuses, signaling just how serious the Red Sox were about bringing the 26-year-old slugger to Fenway Park. At over $600 million, Boston’s proposal would have more than doubled their previous largest contract—Xander Bogaerts’ $280 million extension in 2022, which was eventually voided after his departure to San Diego.
Despite Boston’s efforts, Soto chose the Mets, who not only outbid the Red Sox but also presented a long-term vision that appealed to Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. The Mets’ offer included a full no-trade clause, escalators tied to league MVP finishes, and a massive marketing bonus tied to Soto’s image and international appeal.
The Red Sox front office responded swiftly to Soto’s decision by pivoting to Plan B—signing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a two-year, $58 million deal and bolstering the pitching staff with the additions of Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval. The club also traded for promising left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, signaling that the team remains focused on contending in a competitive AL East.
Fan reactions to the Soto news have been mixed. Some applauded the front office for their ambition, expressing hope that ownership’s willingness to spend will translate into future big-name acquisitions. Others, however, voiced frustration over the team’s inability to close the deal and drew comparisons to previous failed pursuits of elite players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge in years past.
“It’s disappointing, but at least they were in the conversation,” said longtime Red Sox fan Mike DeAngelis outside Fenway Park. “We want stars. We need stars. The Yankees and Mets are outspending everyone. We’ve got to keep up.”
While Soto won’t be patrolling the Fenway outfield, the message from Red Sox leadership is clear: they are willing to spend and take risks to return the franchise to championship contention.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the team’s new acquisitions—and on whether management can continue this bold approach to building a contender in Boston.