Could the landing spot for one of the best free agent sluggers remaining come down to a bidding war between the Boston Red Sox and an American League East rival?
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is in search of a right-handed bat with positional versatility with just a couple of weeks before pitchers and catchers report to spring training.
There are only a few impact options remaining and Jorge Soler appears to be the best option available -- though his lack of defensive pedigree could create some issues.
Still, there is optimism that the two sides could come together. The New York Post's Jon Heyman was asked about Soler signing with the Red Sox and had an encouraging response.
"That is a possibility," Heyman said Wednesday while appearing on a Bleacher Report live stream. "I had written at some point that the Red Sox and the Jays were most likely. Obviously, the Jays just signed Justin Turner. They say he's likely going to be mostly a designated hitter although maybe he'll play some third base. They don't really have a starting third baseman so maybe there's still room in Toronto."
Later in the livestream, he changed his tune a little on the Blue Jays, implying Turner's presence on the roster complicates matters.
"Everybody wants the Red Sox to sign Soler," Heyman said. "I'm still surprised he didn't end up with Toronto. I mean I don't think they are going to sign him now."
Heyman noted that Soler is seeking a multi-year deal and should get it, naming the Red Sox, Blue Jays, New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels as possible landing spots.
Just hours before the stream, USA Today's Bob Nightengale and Scott Boeck predicted that Soler will eventually sign with the Red Sox.
Despite all of these optimistic reports, the Red Sox are unlikely to make this move. The ownership is starkly against spending money this winter and if they were to make a splash, southpaw Jordan Montgomery would be a much better fit.
With that said, it's most likely that Breslow goes with a cheaper route for both voids.
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