Boston Red Sox fans will have two things to be thankful for this week. The team has reportedly signed by Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez to five-year deals.
News of the Ramirez deal broke early this morning, with Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reporting it first. The deal could bring the former Red Sox prospect back to Boston for five years, $90 million.
Moments later, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that Sandoval, who just won his third World Series ring with the San Francisco Giants, signed a deal that’s very similar to Ramirez’s. His will be closer to $100 million for five years.
The Red Sox became the first team ever to go from worst to World Series champs and back to worst in their division in MLB history, so they needed some marquee signings this offseason. They desperately need to rebuild their pitching rotation though and are said to be heavily interested in bringing Jon Lester back. Boston is reportedly set to offer Lester $130 million over six years, according to Heyman.
Ramirez is on his way to Boston to sign the contract today. He might be stuck playing in left field, even though he’s only played that position in winter ball. Sandoval would remain at third base.