MLB analyst claims "Rafael Devers is not David Ortiz," asserting Red Sox need Juan Soto over Triston Casas for Boston's leadership 

As the Juan Soto sweepstakes continue among baseball teams across the country, one MLB analyst believes that the Boston Red Sox need to make a serious offer.

Having fallen behind other teams in recent years, the Red Sox are no longer the powerhouse they once were and they need a player to lead them to winning ways. Despite having the likes of Rafael Devers and Triston Casas on the team, analyst Rob Bradford believes that Soto is the guy they need to sign.

"They need their next David Ortiz. [Rafael] Devers is not their next Ortiz. ...Triston Casas is 23 years old," Bradford said on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast.

"Juan Soto would be that guy more than anyone else in baseball. So to me, that's why you pay him. That's why you prioritize him," he added.

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Having reached the World Series with Juan Soto in their lineup this year, the New York Yankees are among the favorites to sign the Dominican star in the offseason. However, they face plenty of competition from several big teams as they look to re-sign Soto on a long-term contract.

While discussing the Red Sox's offseason on the same podcast episode, Boston Hall of Famer Jonathan Papelbon believes that they should bid for Soto just to increase his price.

However, Bradford disagreed with him by arguing that the Red Sox need a leader like David Ortiz once was for them and Soto is the only player who can do that.

While Rafael Devers and Triston Casas are both good players, they arguably cannot transform a team the way Soto can. Hence, while they may not be favorites to land him, Bradford believes that the Red Sox need to prioritize Soto now.

Boston Red Sox sign LHP Aroldis Chapman amidst Juan Soto rumors

While the Boston Red Sox front office has been urged to sign Juan Soto for several reasons, they have landed left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal.

Chapman is a veteran with 14 years of MLB experience who has played for the likes of the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs among others. He is a two-time World Series champion who had a decent season with the Pittsburgh Pirates this year.

While it may not increase their chances of landing Soto in the coming weeks, it adds good depth to their pitching staff.