Kennedy confirms Red Sox interest in Soto, aggressive offseason

Red Sox

“The goal is to win over 90 games so you don’t have to worry about the wild card spot.”

If the Red Sox want superstar outfielder Juan Soto to sign on the dotted line this winter, Boston it may have to award a contract worth more than $600 million.

But even with Rafael Devers’ $331 million contract extension already in the books, Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy confirmed to Michael Silverman Boston Globe Wednesday that the team wouldn’t hesitate to make another mega-deal, especially if it lands a franchise talent like Soto.

“Is this possible? If that’s what it takes, then yes, absolutely,” Kennedy told Silverman at MLB owners’ meetings. “We are investing more than last year. We intend to invest in the future.

“At home, there is an urgent need to compete for the American League East title and absolutely prepare for a deep postseason run in 2025. The goal is to win over 90 games so you don’t have to worry about the wild card spot.”

Kennedy confirmed last week’s reports that the Red Sox met with Soto and his agent Scott Boras in California. as the 26-year-old slugger’s rally begins in earnest.

“I’m not allowed to talk about the player, but it will be that person’s decision,” Kennedy said, referring to Soto.

Even if the Red Sox lose out in the race for Soto against other deep-pocketed teams like the Yankees or Mets, Kennedy stressed that Boston’s willingness to spend money won’t depend on Soto’s decision.

After missing the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, Kennedy emphasized that Boston now has an urgent need to replenish its emerging core of young talent, “even if it takes us to beat CBT” moving forward.

MLB’s first competitive balance tax threshold is set at $241 million.

“Look, we need to add and that’s what we’re trying to do, but I think we’re in a good position to add right now,” Kennedy said. “We need more pitching in front of the rotation guys and the bullpen. We are happy with our positional core, really. The top priority is pitching, but for us, anything and everything is on the table—free agency, trades, promotions from the minor leagues.”

Boston’s lack of postseason performance as of late could make it a less attractive destination compared to other aggressive offseason clubs like the Yankees or Mets.

But Kennedy believes the Red Sox’s prospects are improving, especially with more talent expected to join the team in the coming years.

“In our free agency discussions, there was, I would say, a very strong feeling among agents and players that the Boston Red Sox were going to be a force over the next five to seven years, given the guys that had already emerged at the major league level, as well as the guys , coming out of triple A and levels below that,” Kennedy added.

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Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox for Boston.com, a position he has held since 2023.

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