The Boston Red Sox solidified their roster after acquiring Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, the team announced Tuesday.
The Red Sox introduced Sandoval on Tuesday after the veteran third baseman signed a five-year deal worth $95 million, which has an additional one-year team option worth $17 million.
Sandoval, who batted .279 last season with 16 homeruns and 73 RBIs, will improve Boston's third base options, which was arguably their weakest position last season. Their third basemen ranked 29th in OPS with .580, which is way lower than the league average of .701.
Sandoval had a lot of success during his seven-year stint with the San Francisco Giants, particularly in the playoffs where he averaged .344 with six homeruns and 20 RBIs in three playoff stints.
The 28-year-old third baseman rejected a one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Giants, saying that he wants a change of scenery for a new challenge in his career.
"I want a new challenge. I need a new challenge," Sandoval said via ESPN Boston. "I know that I had a great career in San Francisco. But I'm going to have a new one here."
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington expressed excitement about Sandoval's arrival, saying that the veteran is one of their main targets this offseason.
"He really embodies a lot of what we care about," Cherington said. "He's been a big winner. He's been a performer when it counts the most. He's respected as a teammate, loves to play. We think he fits what we're all about here. We're excited to have him."
On the other hand, Ramirez also reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with $88 million deal with a vesting option in the fifth year for $22 million.
Ramirez, who spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, averaged .283 last season with 13 homeruns and 71 RBIs in 128 regular-season games.
"There's just not that many opportunities in this game to bring in a player of Hanley's ability overall, particularly on the offensive side," Cherington said of Ramirez. "He's a very good base runner also. When those opportunities come up you have to avoid being too stubborn about what the rest of the picture looks like."
Ramirez has played shortstop for his entire major league career, but he is expected to play at left field for the Red Sox, who are looking to strengthen their roster after finishing with a dismal 71-91 record last season.
