The Boston Red Sox are keeping busy in the free agent market. After reports came out last night that Hanley Ramirez was nearing a deal with Boston, it is being reported the Sox are now close to signing Pablo Sandoval as well.
Pablo Sandoval has agreed to to a Red Sox deal, completing what appears to be a stunning free agent double play.
Sandoval will receive close to $100 million for five years, people familiar with the deal say, following news Hanley Ramirez is close to a deal with Boston, as well. The Red Sox were reported by the Boston Globe to have originally offered $95 million, but they may have gone up a bit from there.
The Red Sox are close to a deal with Hanley Ramirez, as well, sources confirm. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported he is on the verge of a deal with Boston and is traveling to Boston to finalize things.
Ramirez told the Red Sox he is willing to play positions other than shortstop, with left field a possibility.
Sandoval, the Giants’ World Series hero, made a tough decision to leave San Francisco. The Padres also made what is said to be an “aggressive” opening offer.
Sandoval won three World Series rings in five years in San Franciasco, becoming something of a cult hero.
These are two major pieces as the Red Sox try to rebuild the franchise. Boston is also looking to offer Jon Lester north of $100 million after trading him away before the trade deadline, getting him back to headline the pitching rotation would be huge.