Juan Soto Meets With Teams as Free Agency Begins

Juan Soto, the top free agent available this offseason, is set to meet with several teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, in California this week. The Red Sox, looking to rebound after a disappointing season, are among eight teams pursuing Soto, who is coming off an impressive year with the Yankees, where he hit 41 home runs and led the league in runs scored. The Blue Jays are also highly motivated to sign Soto, potentially viewing him as a key addition to complement star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While the New York Yankees and Mets are seen as favorites, the Blue Jays' financial backing and determination could pose a significant challenge. Both the Yankees and Mets plan to send high-profile representatives, including team owners, to meet with Soto, indicating the high stakes of this recruitment. Soto is expected to command one of the largest contracts in MLB history, with predictions of a record-setting deal.