Part 4/8:
The bidding process is expected to serve as a litmus test for each team's commitment to acquiring Soto. As discussions unfold, teams realize that their initial offers might dictate the level of seriousness and financial commitment displayed.
While all five teams display a healthy desire to compete, the stakes feel particularly high for the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Mets. For the Red Sox, the urgency to regain fan trust is palpable; for the Blue Jays, the emphasis is on proving their competitiveness after years of chasing success. The Mets, meanwhile, are desperate to showcase their resurgence as a serious contender, especially against their crosstown rivals.