Despite David Ortiz’s best efforts, the Red Sox did not land the crown jewel of MLB free agency.
Boston, by all accounts, was one of the most motivated clubs in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. The Red Sox’s recruiting process prominently featured Ortiz, a franchise icon who Soto idolized growing up in their native Dominican Republic.
The four-time All-Star, however, decided to leave Boston’s offer on the table and latch on with the Mets.
“We wanted him in Boston,” Ortiz told reporters Saturday, per the New York Post. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
Soto not being a fixture at Fenway Park doesn’t mean Big Papi will stop supporting the 26-year-old, though. As a fellow product of Santo Domingo, the Hall of Fame slugger was excited to see Soto sign a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal in New York.
“It’s great,” Ortiz told reporters. “It’s well deserved, what he got, and we’re gonna continue cheering for him. He’s a great kid. You guys are gonna enjoy Soto for a while here.”
All things considered, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Ortiz returns to his old stomping grounds in late May when the Red Sox welcome Soto and the Mets to Fenway Park for a three-game series.
