The Boston Red Sox have extended an offer to free-agent superstar Juan Soto, a report says

BOSTON – There are rumors that the Boston Red Sox are in on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, and a new report says it’s time for teams to put their money where their mouth is.

Juan Soto contract offers

The Red Sox made their pitch to Soto, the New York Yankees outfielder who is the prize of this year’s free agent class, during a Meeting earlier this month.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi and NJ.com’s Randy Miller reported Tuesday that the Red Sox are one of five teams that have formally made contract offers to Soto. The Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers also made offers.

Morosi said he believes the Red Sox are “well behind” the Mets and Yankees in the race for the slugger, who hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBI in the Bronx last season.

According to Morosi’s report, if the Red Sox lose to Soto, they could quickly deploy their resources elsewhere in the market. The MLB insider speculated that Boston could turn to at least one of the pitchers represented by agent Scott Boras, who also represents Soto.

“The Red Sox could very easily move and sign a Corbin Burnes. Maybe they’re going after a Blake Snell. Those two happen to be represented by Scott Boras,” Morosi said on MLB Network.

Are the Red Sox willing to spend money?

Red Sox legend David Ortiz did exactly the right thing trying to recruit 26-year-old Soto, a fellow Dominican Republic native.

Ortiz told WBZ-TV last week that he believes Boston’s interest in Soto is genuine. President Sam Kennedy, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora all attended the team’s pitch to Soto.

“It shows they are willing to spend money this year to get back on track,” Ortiz said. “Go back to the old days.”

Soto reportedly could make his decision by the end of the MLB winter meetings, which begin Dec. 9.