Boston Red Sox pushing for both Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Boston Red Sox are trying hard in order to sign both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval.
Sandoval’s name has been surfacing around Boston ever since the World Series finished. Ramirez, on the other hand, has not been as prominently featured. Near the beginning of free agency, the Red Sox and Ramirez had been thrown together in the same sentence, but not much was made of it. While they have been in contact with his agent, more may have been going on then expected. Now that talks are supposedly heating up between the two, the Red Sox could make an even larger splash this free agency than expected.
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While talks between Sandoval and the Red Sox have culminated in a contract offer nearing $100 million, Boston might even pull the rare free agency triple play if they’re able to sign former ace Jon Lester, as well.
With the obvious need of a third baseman, Ramirez could surely man down the hot corner. But with the potential signing of Sandoval looming, it could mean Ramirez, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is destined for another position come Opening Day 2015. There have been talks of him possibly playing a corner outfield position, which could help the Red Sox if they decide to trade the many outfielders they already have to acquire an arm like Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels.
As of today, Ramirez does not have a contract offer on the table. However, the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros have shown interest in him, as well. To broaden his market, the 30-year-old veteran has stated that he is open to playing whatever position is needed.
Sandoval reportedly has three offers on the table right now. Those are from the Red Sox, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. Boston has given Sandoval a five-year, $95 million contract offer. The Giants have reportedly given their fan favorite an offer in the five-year range but somewhere around the $90 million mark – although the front office did not categorize this as a ‘final offer’. As for the Padres, reports indicate that they have offered near $100 million, but seem to be a long shot to land the Panda. Sandoval’s agent, Gustavo Vazquez, has told reporters that Sandoval will decide where he will sign by next week.
Keep in mind that Ramirez was originally signed as a free agent by the Red Sox back in 2000. In 2005, he was traded to the then-Florida Marlins where he would start his career and turn it into what he has today. While I’m not a big fan of the way he carries himself on the field, he could become a big part of what Boston is trying to do and could fill in nicely at a variety of positions.