The Boston Red Sox have now suddenly made some noise this offseason by reaching deals with both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval.
ESPN noted that those with knowledge of the situation said Ramirez finalized a deal Monday with the Sox for $88 million with a vesting fifth-year option for an around $22 million.
In addition, CBS Sports reported that league sources have confirmed that Boston also signed Sandoval to a five-year deal worth just under $100 million. The third baseman reportedly chose that deal over similar offers from the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres.
Ramirez made his major league debut in 2005 with the Red Sox, but only appeared in two games with the club. He was traded to the team now known as the Miami Marlins that year in exchange for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. The 31-year-old most recently played for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He has been a productive player throughout his career with a batting average of .300. However, he has been plagued by injuries which has limited his appearances.
Meanwhile, Sandoval, who is so delightfully nicknamed Kung Fu Panda, has spent all seven seasons of his career with the Giants and is a .284 hitter and three-time World Champion. He was named MVP of the 2012 World Series as he's proven to be one of the more clutch hitters in the sport.
For the Sox, Sandoval is likely to play third base, and Ramirez, who has played both third base and shortstop, will likely move to the outfield.
These pieces are all part of a rebuild for Boston after the team finished last in AL East at 71-91 just one year after winning the World Series.