The Boston Red Sox surprised the baseball world this past offseason. Boston had spent years avoiding large contracts. The Red Sox said early in the offseason that things were going to be different and they absolutely were.

Juan Soto's agent, Scott Boras, has represented some of the biggest names in baseball, including New York Yankees legend and three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez.

For a second straight night, the star Mets outfielder Juan Soto was caught in quicksand running to first base. This time it was a shot he thought would clear the Green Monster for a homer but hit

Soto ultimately signed with the Mets but said the Red Sox made a strong case: "I was surprised how hard they tried."

Instead of accepting Detroit’s more traditional long-term offer this past offseason, Bregman went for Boston’s short-term, high value, opt-out laden deal. That’s paid off mightily so far.

As manager Carlos Mendoza’s crew has been reminded all too often lately, there is a need to drive in runners on base. And an occasional jolt over the fence wouldn’t hurt, either.