MLB Rumors: Juan Soto Reveals He Almost Joined One AL Team

When Juan Soto signed his record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, most assumed the battle for his services came down to the Mets and Yankees. 

But according to Soto himself, the Boston Red Sox were right there in the thick of it.

"Yes, they really were right there, they were at the top of the list," Soto told The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey during the Mets' visit to Fenway Park this week. "They were pushing really hard, but at the end of the day, I made decisions." Soto acknowledged how impressed he was by Boston’s aggressive pursuit, adding, "I was surprised how hard they tried... They showed a lot of love. I really appreciated what they brought to the table."

Red Sox's Offer Was Serious Business

According to McCaffrey, Boston reportedly offered a 15-year, $700 million contract—just $65 million shy of what Soto ultimately accepted from the Mets. For a franchise that has stayed quiet on major free-agent bidding wars in recent years, it marked a bold reentry into the elite talent market. Soto said he “definitely sat down and looked at it,” seriously considering their pitch.

Juan Soto is a New York Met, but his quotes to @jcmccaffrey tell the story of how serious the Red Sox really were:

“Yes, they really were right there, they were at the top of the list. They were pushing really hard, but at the end of the day, I made decisions.”

“(on Monday) I… pic.twitter.com/7azZMpUvGh

— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) May 20, 2025

Had things played out differently, Soto might have been on the other side of this week's series at Fenway. Instead, he found himself in the visiting dugout, continuing what’s been a slow start to his Mets tenure. After a 0-for-3 outing against the Red Sox recently and some lineup shuffling from manager Carlos Mendoza, Soto's performance has sparked growing concern in New York.

What Could’ve Been at Fenway

Soto's slash line through 48 games sits at an underwhelming .243/.374/.429—alright numbers for most, but a dip compared to his Yankees performance last season. Despite these early-season struggles, the Mets remain in contention, chasing the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. Still, as Soto’s bat cools, Boston’s missed opportunity stings a little less.

Juan Soto pimp job and he can only get as far as first base lmao
pic.twitter.com/733m3MwAPL

— Depressed Red Sox Fan (@TheDepressedSox) May 20, 2025

For Red Sox fans, the near miss with Soto stirs a fascinating “what if.” But if Boston’s aggressive play for Soto is any indication, they may not sit out the next superstar sweepstakes.

Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images