Fans react to surprising Juan Soto-Red Sox free agency rumor

A former Major League Baseball general manager expects the Red Sox to make a big move this offseason and sign an impact starting pitcher.

However, there may be a chance for Boston to make even more noise on the open market.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed on Wednesday that seven teams have inquired about Juan Soto, the top player available in MLB free agency. While the list was topped by the usual suspects – Yankees, Mets, Dodgers – there were a few surprises.

One of them was the Red Sox, who, according to Heyman, were “quietly laying the groundwork to start spending and competing again after years of completely holding back.” Boston was not expected to be in the mix for Soto, as the club's clear priorities are pitching – both starting and relief – as well as a right-handed bat.

Heyman's report on Boston's interest in Soto surprised fans, and you can follow their reactions on social media by clicking the link here.

Craig Breslow and the company expect to at least have an opportunity to speak with Soto and his team. The Generational outfielder made his openness clear after the Yankess' World Series loss, declaring that he would be “available for all 30 teams.”

However, other clubs appear more likely than the Red Sox to give Soto the contract he likely covets, which is comparable to the monstrous pact Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers made last offseason. Boston, meanwhile, seems more inclined to use its resources on a variety of additions, not just a single player.