The Purple Sox met with free agent outfielder Juan Soto on Thursday.
How did it go? Boston clearly got here away feeling fairly good, with Sean McAdam of MassLive reporting that it was a “productive” assembly whereas offering key particulars of the general encounter.
Purple Sox president Sam Kennedy, chairman Tom Werner, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and supervisor Alex Cora represented the membership, who didn’t talk about cash with the 26-year-old however did spend three hours highlighting potential plans and their historical past with stars from the Dominican Republic, his native nation. What does one make of all that? We now have a number of takeaways:
FIRE UP THE JET
The Purple Sox’s choice to focus on successes with the likes of David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez (presumably, possibly additionally they touched on Pablo Reyes and Izzy Alcántara) was a wise one. Why not deliver them to the subsequent assembly, although?
It didn’t work when the Celtics did it attempting to lure Kevin Durant, however it’s by no means a foul thought to get “Huge Papi” within the room.
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SOTO IS GOING TO COST A LOT OF MONEY
The Purple Sox didn’t make a suggestion but, however after they do it higher be near $50 million per season. It’s simply going to value that a lot, whether or not they prefer it or not.
Soto possible doesn’t thoughts that he didn’t get a suggestion but, as a result of his assembly with New York Mets proprietor Steve Cohen goes to provide some really foolish numbers.
DOES THE FARM SYSTEM HELP OR HURT?
McAdam reported {that a} key a part of the assembly was highlighting “the crop of soon-to-be-arriving high prospects” for Boston.
Does that assist or harm?
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Soto simply misplaced within the World Collection, so any staff he joins possible must persuade him he’ll have an opportunity to return and win one. Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel and Kristian Campbell may in the future contribute to profitable a hoop, however will that point come quickly? Would Soto desire if a few prospects had been as an alternative flipped for gamers who can contribute instantly?
We don’t have perception into his thoughts, however it undoubtedly is a query price contemplating.
BOSTON HAS A REAL CHANCE
Would you spend three hours in a gathering with individuals you didn’t have some stage of curiosity in working with?
Soto was stated to be “impressed” by the general gross sales pitch, and it is sensible contemplating what it reportedly entailed. The Purple Sox had been in a position to flaunt youth, a deep farm system, an enormous market, the most effective managers in baseball and cash. Who wouldn’t need all of that?
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It’s simple to say Cohen received’t be outbid, however whereas the richest contract in baseball historical past can be attractive, different elements will go into the choice. The Purple Sox may not essentially be the favorites, however they’ve a foot within the door.
