BOSTON -- The Red Sox have made a pair of impact free-agent deals that should bolster their offense in 2015 and beyond. Both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval have agreed to join the Red Sox.
Sandoval will be introduced Tuesday at Fenway Park in a 1 p.m. ET news conference that will be streamed live on MLB.com and redsox.com. Ramirez's deal, which is still pending a physical, could also be announced later Tuesday.
The Giants released a statement about Sandoval agreeing to a deal with the Red Sox: "Pablo Sandoval has been a key member of the Giants since breaking into the Majors with us in 2008. He has been with us through some of the greatest moments in San Francisco Giants history -- including all three World Series championships.
"We will never forget his World Series MVP performance in 2012 and his numerous contributions to the 2014 championship. His connection with Giants fans -- young and old -- is truly special and he will be greatly missed. We wish him nothing but the best in Boston."
Ramirez's agreement, first reported by FOXSports.com, is for $88 million over four years with a $22 million vesting option for a fifth year. Sandoval, who chose the Red Sox over the Giants and Padres, has agreed to a five-year contract worth close to $100 million, CBSSports.com reported.
The Red Sox have not commented on the reports, and club policy is that they don't comment on negotiations with free agents until deals are final, including the completion of physicals.
But David Ortiz, Boston's longest-tenured player, tweeted out a welcome to both players: "Welcome to #RedSoxNation @HanleyRamirez @KFP48.....bout to give pitcher nightmares!!!!"
Sandoval is all but certain to become Boston's new third baseman. But less clear is how Boston will utilize Ramirez. Ramirez's natural position is shortstop, but Xander Bogaerts is currently holding down that spot for Boston.
One option is that Ramirez -- who turns 31 next month -- could move to the outfield. Though Ramirez has never played the outfield in the Major Leagues, he certainly seems to have the athleticism that would be necessary to make that transition.
A Sandoval-Ramirez tandem will likely prompt the Red Sox to trade at least one outfielder among Yoenis Cespedes, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts,Jackie Bradley Jr., Allen Craig, Daniel Nava and Shane Victorino.
Though the Red Sox stated earlier this offseason that their preference is to keep Cespedes, the addition of Ramirez could change their line of thinking. Cespedes is entering the final year of his contract, and his free-swinging approach makes him less of a fit in Boston than Ramirez, who has a career on-base percentage of .373.
Monday marked the nine-year anniversary of when the Red Sox traded Ramirez -- once billed as their shortstop of the future -- to the Marlins in a deal that brought Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston.
That trade nine years ago was a classic example of a transaction that worked for all sides. Beckett and Lowell helped the Red Sox win a World Series in 2007, and Ramirez became an almost instant star with the Marlins.
Ramirez was traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers on July 25, 2012, and performed well in his two-plus seasons in Los Angeles.
The Red Sox met with Ramirez at the General Managers Meetings in Arizona earlier this month and stayed in contact afterward. Ramirez originally signed with Boston as an amateur free agent in 2000.
Ramirez is a three-time All-Star and a career. 300 hitter with 191 homers, 654 RBIs and an .873 OPS.
In 2014, the Red Sox finished in last place in the American League, largely due to an anemic offense. They now appear willing to invest nearly $190 million in two established hitters in an effort to improve.
Add Ramirez and Sandoval to an offense that already includes David Ortiz,Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli, and Boston's lineup could certainly become elite again.
Aside from the ongoing efforts to improve the offense, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington is also on a mission to add to the starting rotation. An offer was made recently to Jon Lester in hopes that the lefty will return to Boston. Lester is still in the midst of talking to other teams.
If the Red Sox can't bring back Lester, they now appear to be in position to package some of their outfield depth and perhaps some prospects for a potential trade for a pitcher, such as Cole Hamels.
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Pedro highlights notable Red Sox on HOF ballot
Right-hander one of several players with Boston ties hoping to be elected
BOSTON -- During Pedro Martinez's seven years with the Red Sox, every start he made was an event at Fenway Park. If Martinez is successful in getting into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first try, expect many New Englanders to gather again to cheer him on, only this time it will be in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Martinez was one of several players with Red Sox ties listed on the 2015 Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot, which was released on Monday. The voting results will be announced on Jan. 6 on MLB Network and MLB.com.
MLB.com Columnist
Mike Bauman
Panda reaping benefits of win-win situation
This is a very good time to be Pablo Sandoval. Free-market economics are working out extremely well for him.
The free-agent third baseman had three legitimate, lucrative offers for his services; offers from highly motivated potential employers. He chose the one from the Boston Red Sox, reportedly five years for close to $100 million.
MLB.com Columnist
Phil Rogers
Don't blink, here come the Red Sox
What an era this is for the Red Sox.
Has any team undergone so many seismic shifts in such a short time that it's on the verge of signing Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez for a cool $200 million or so?
MLB.com Columnist
Richard Justice
Cherington off to fast start with plenty of options
Signing Hanley, Panda would be first moves of offseason overhaul for Boston
The Boston Red Sox are on the verge of changing an entire offseason storyline. Say hello to the 2015 American League East favorites.
Simple, right?
Holt past concussion, looking ahead to 2015
Symptoms gone for Red Sox's versatile, confident super-utility man
BOSTON -- A late-season concussion aside, one of the few bright spots for the Red Sox in 2014 was the play of Brock Holt, who came out of nowhere to contribute all over the diamond.
Holt's plan to make a cameo in the instructional league as reassurance that his concussion symptoms were clear didn't pan out for timing reasons. The good news is that Holt is now concussion-free, and he is going through his offseason as planned.
MLB.com Columnist
Bernie Pleskoff
Castillo brings solid bat, great speed to Red Sox outfield
I was fortunate to get plenty of looks at exciting Boston Red Sox outfielderRusney Castillo before he hurt his thumb and left the Arizona Fall League in late October.
Following Castillo's defection from Cuba and after establishing residency in the Dominican Republic, the Red Sox signed him as an international free agent this past August. He is signed through 2020.
The Hall of Fame Case: Nomar Garciaparra
Anthony Nomar Garciaparra. Nomar. I don't even have to give you his last name -- you know who I'm talking about. The one-name-famous shortstop is making his first appearance on Cooperstown ballots this year and before you dismiss his case, let's go over the very compelling argument for Nomar's Hall of Fame candidacy:
Red Sox extend offer to Lester
BOSTON -- The Red Sox have extended an offer to lefty Jon Lester, and they are close to making one to third baseman Pablo Sandoval, sources tell MLB.com.
Those developments are significant considering that Lester and Sandoval are perhaps Boston's top two targets on the free-agent market. The Red Sox have not confirmed the offers.
Red Sox fill 40-man roster, protect four from Rule 5 Draft
Touted youngsters Swihart, Rodriguez highlight promoted prospects
Farrell, Francona and Hale thrilled to reunite in Japan
Farrell, Francona and Hale thrilled to reunite at All-Star Series in Japan
SAPPORO, Japan -- Halfway around the world, in vast domes bearing little resemblance to baseball stadiums back home, John Farrell, Terry Francona and DeMarlo Hale hunkered down together in clubhouse after clubhouse. Each day, they had opportunities to talk about their strange surroundings. They had chances to compare their favorite types of sushi. They had plenty of time to discuss the weather.
Mostly, though, their minds stayed elsewhere.
MLB.com Columnist
Mike Bauman
Red Sox showing signs for another quick turnaround
Interest in Lester, Sandoval reflect desire to return to prominence
The recent journey of the Boston Red Sox -- worst to first to worst -- makes the conventional description of "roller-coaster" seem truly feeble.
But the good news for Red Sox Nation -- or Red Sox Planet, to be truly global about it -- is that the organization seems to view this offseason as a chance to reload and regroup and get back to where it once belonged.
Red Sox claim Francisco off waivers from Jays
The Red Sox claimed infielder Juan Francisco off waivers from the Blue Jays on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old played in 106 games for Toronto last season and could add some pop to a Boston lineup that lacked power in 2014. While he had a .220 average with the Blue Jays, Francisco managed 16 home runs and 43 RBIs, averaging an extra-base hit every 11.8 at-bats, the ninth-best rate in the American League.
Panda excited about visit with Red Sox
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval took his free-agent tour to Boston on Monday, arriving at Logan Airport in the afternoon and telling local news channel WHDH-TV that he is "excited" for a visit with the Red Sox.
Sandoval is in town with his agent, Gustavo Vazquez, and his older brother, Michael.
Inbox: Will Barnes be in mix for rotation spot?
Beat reporter Ian Browne answers questions from Red Sox fans
I've been eager to see Matt Barnes pitch since the Red Sox drafted him out of UConn. Do you think this will be the year he breaks into the rotation?
-- Rich P., Southington, Conn.
-- Rich P., Southington, Conn.
Barnes is one of several prospects in the system who will get an extended look in Spring Training to see if he is a viable option to pitch in the rotation. It remains to be seen how many spots will be available by the time Spring Training starts, but I wouldn't be surprised if at least one starting slot is there for the taking by one of the young guys. Barnes definitely has an impressive repertoire, and he showed some flashes during his callup in September.
MLB.com Columnist
Jim Callis
Pipeline Perspectives: Castillo the next AL ROY?
Big rookie seasons projected for Red Sox outfielder, Mets righty in 2015
There's a good amount of subjectivity regarding baseball prospects. With the evaluation of talent being in the eye of the beholder, finding consensus is often difficult. Even Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo of MLBPipeline.com don't always see eye to eye. They discuss their viewpoints regularly in a feature called Pipeline Perspectives. Submit a topic for them to debate.
On the heels of the Baseball Writers' Association of America announcing its award winners for the 2014 season last week, our latest task at Pipeline Perspectives is to predict the 2015 Rookie of the Year Award winners.
Red Sox revisit long-term deals, but due diligence key
Boston has appeared reluctant after Crawford, Adrian, but Sandoval seeking multiyear offer
If the Red Sox are successful in signing free-agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, they will likely have to change their recent course of avoiding contracts of longer than three years.
Coming off a last-place finish in 2014 -- the second Boston has had in the last three years -- general manager Ben Cherington will explore all avenues to improve his franchise quickly, including long-term contracts to the right free agents.
Castillo looking like a 'go' for winter ball
BOSTON -- All signs point to Red Sox center fielder Rusney Castillo being healed enough from a right thumb contusion that he will be able to begin playing winter ball in Puerto Rico later this month.
Castillo suffered the injury in late October in the Arizona Fall League, limiting his stint there to eight games. But after undergoing some medical evaluation earlier this week, it appears as if Castillo is healthy enough to ramp back up and get the at-bats the Red Sox were hoping he could log before Spring Training.
MLB.com Columnist
Jim Callis
Top performances, prospects from 2014 Fall League
A team-by-team breakdown of who impressed and how each club's top player fared
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Fall League is known as baseball's finishing school because it has graduated a ton of talent to the Major Leagues since it began play in 1992. The AFL has produced 212 All-Stars, including 35 in this year's Midsummer Classic, 25 Rookies of the Year, 13 MVPs and five Cy Young Award winners.
Based on the quality of the talent in the AFL this year, more big leaguers and stars are on the way. The league wrapped up its 23rd season on Saturday, with the Salt River Rafters outlasting the Peoria Javelinas, 14-7, for their fourth title and first since 2011.
Despite rumors, Cherington wants to keep Cespedes
Red Sox general manager knows he will need patience with pitching market
BOSTON -- Considering that power hitters are getting harder to find these days, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington seems almost amused by the outside perception that he is looking to trade Yoenis Cespedes.
"I understand why, in a place like Boston, when a guy has one year left [on his contract], there's going to be some [speculation], and we have some numbers in that area, I guess I understand why there's speculation out there," Cherington told reporters at the General Managers Meetings on Tuesday.
Red Sox prospect Coyle goes yard in AFL win
In the early stages of its game Tuesday against Mesa, Surprise had relied on its pitching to hold a slim lead. But after the Solar Sox scratched out a run in the sixth, the Saguaros found the game tied heading into the late innings.
Surprise's offense quickly reasserted itself against right-hander Roberto Osuna. Catcher Pat Cantwell hit a one-out double and second baseman Sean Coyle followed with a two-run home run to retake the lead.
Inbox: What's Castillo's spot in the lineup?
Beat reporter Ian Browne answers questions from Red Sox fans
Where would Rusney Castillo fit in the Red Sox's lineup if they pick upPablo Sandoval? Would he be comfortable in the leadoff spot?
-- Jack C., Sudbury, Mass.
-- Jack C., Sudbury, Mass.
I'm not sure how the presence of Sandoval would impact Castillo, since one of them is a third baseman and the other one is an outfielder. Castillo has often hit in the leadoff spot, so he would be comfortable there. The question is whether he would get on base enough to justify that spot in the batting order.
Victorino ready to reclaim right field with Red Sox
Outfielder, who missed most of 2014 season due to injuries, focused on getting healthy
BOSTON -- You've heard all about the logjam the Red Sox face in the outfield heading into 2015. With Yoenis Cespedes, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr.,Rusney Castillo, Daniel Nava and Allen Craig, how does everyone fit?
And then there is the forgotten man -- the one who has probably accomplished the most of the entire group. Don't worry about hurting Shane Victorino's feelings, though. If you somehow erased Victorino from your memory bank after injuries wiped away the majority of his 2014 season, that just adds more fire for him.
Sox unveil Spring Training slate
Yanks visit March 13; all tickets on sale Dec. 6
BOSTON -- The Red Sox of 2015 will take the field in Grapefruit League action for the first time on March 5, with a road game against the Twins.
The next day, the Sox will host the Marlins for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at JetBlue Park.
Pedroia joins Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame
Red Sox star calls 2004 AFL stint 'great opportunity' to learn from peers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It's hard to find a baseball resume more complete than that of Dustin Pedroia.
The Red Sox second baseman has won an AL MVP (2008), four Gold Gloves (2008, '11, '13, '14), a Silver Slugger ('08) and a Rookie of the Year Award ('07). He is also a four-time All-Star (2008-10 and '13) and a two-time World Series champion ('07, '13).
Pedroia sets Red Sox infield mark with fourth Gold Glove
Veteran wins second straight, posts best fielding percentage by Boston second baseman
BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia was spectacular on defense in 2014 -- not to mention nearly flawless -- and he received recognition for his efforts on Tuesday by being named the American League's Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner at second base.
It was the second consecutive Gold Glove Award for Pedroia, and his fourth in his eight seasons as the starting second baseman for the Red Sox.
Inbox: Was re-signing Uehara a wise move?
Beat reporter Ian Browne answers Red Sox fans' questions
Do you think re-signing Koji Uehara for another two years was a good move for the Red Sox?
-- Sam S., Victoria
-- Sam S., Victoria
Red Sox positioned for active Hot Stove season
Cherington has motivation, resources to obtain pieces for 2015 turnaround
The conclusion of the World Series means the beginning of what will be a busy Hot Stove season for Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. A second last-place American League East finish in three seasons didn't sit well within anyone in the offices of 4 Yawkey Way, and Cherington will try to spearhead a turnaround.
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