Some serious players are running in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, the New York Yankees and the New York Mets in particular. However, there is another team interested that has taken everyone by surprise, given Soto would cost them $600 million—the Boston Red Sox! They might have the money, but over the years, the team has typically opted to save the money. Instead, they focus on developing their young core. So the big question is: Are they really up for it?

Now, a sudden drift from what seemed like a tough over strategy isn’t sitting well with others! Many feel that the Boston Red Sox are just adding drama to the Juan Soto deal, given their history with the Yankees. MLB analyst Mike Giardi also questioned the seriousness of the Red Sox for Soto. “There is no way in hell they are going to pay this man this money,” Giardi mentioned. However, David Ortiz, the Red Sox legend, dismissed all these claims recently, saying the team is serious indeed.

The Red Sox have a secret weapon through which they can get Juan Soto—it’s Big Papi. Well, the MLB legend has been vocal about getting Soto in Fenway Park. Recently, when he was asked to pitch in 20 seconds to Soto on why he should come to the Red Sox, Ortiz had it all laid out. “They’re not faking it. Trust me, I’m trying to do my homework also to see if we can hire him because that’s what Mr. Henry wants… They are trying hard,” David added on the Boston Red Sox’ run for Juan Soto.

“He’s going to feel like he’s playing at home in the Dominican Republic, and he’s going to have in his corner his Godfather, Big Papi,” David Ortiz emphasized. As far as whether the team is serious, Ortiz affirmed their stand, even though team owner John Henry didn’t make it to the meeting with Soto. As per columnist Jon Heyman, Soto wanted a one-on-one rapport with team owners, so this absence might still hurt the team’s run for him.

The Big Apple will battle it out for Juan Soto

While the New York team owners were present in the meeting with Juan Soto, nothing can be certain as of now. For example, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal had a strong guess that it’s the Mets who will clinch Juan Soto. According to Rosenthal, Steve Cohen has a deep pocket, and being ready to throw serious cash down will seal the deal. “In my view, it’s Steve Cohen. If I were a betting man, that’s the way I would bet,” he mentioned.

However, Rosenthal did add that strange things do happen in the off-season, so any team might be the ultimate winner! The Yankees aren’t out just yet; Jon Morosi is still betting Soto stays in New York, but he’s unsure whether it will be with the Pinstripes or the Mets. Meanwhile, Michael Kay mentioned that the New York Yankees will not shell any more than $50 million a year for Juan Soto. On the other hand, Cohen is apparently ready to go for $50 million more than what other teams offer.

What do you think will happen in the end; are the Red Sox faking it? Share your thoughts below.