Red Sox Reportedly Will Be Involved In Sweepstakes For Generational Slugger

The Red Sox have been linked to a West-Coast slugger

The Boston Red Sox's failure to make the postseason could prime them for a high-spending offseason and the San Diego Padres reportedly are interested in shedding payroll. 

Unfortunately, this is not in relation to former homegrown star Xander Bogaerts returning to Boston, however, his teammate Juan Soto could be up for grabs. 

The Padres seemingly are looking to cut down their massive payroll and Soto is a large part of their yearly spending. "The Padres are internally leaning towards trading All-Star outfielder Juan Soto," USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote. "Which would free up about $30 million -- while trying to slash their payroll by about $50 million." 

"You do have to move Juan Soto, and, who should be in? Everyone. The Red Sox? Yes," ESPN's Jeff Passan said on the Baseball is Dead podcast hosted by Jared Carrabis and Dallas Braden while weighing in on the Soto Sweepstakes.

This season Soto hit .275 with 68 extra-base hits including 35 home runs, 109 RBIs and a .930 OPS in 162 games this season.

While discussing the potential of landing a massive star like Soto, Passan mentions the notable haul that would need to be included for a name of this nature. He floated around top prospects Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony as possible prospects to kick off the deal. 

The Red Sox have not commented on acquiring the Padres slugger but with front office changes expected in the upcoming weeks, we may have some information on where they stand in the near future. 

More MLB: Red Sox Contemplating Moving Star Reliever Into Rotation Next Season