Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
MLB
Boston Red Sox

Hanley Ramirez agrees to four-year deal with Red Sox

USA TODAY Sports
Hanley  Ramirez batted .283 with 13 home runs and 71 RBI in 2014.

Hanley Ramirez, the top free agent hitter available this offseason, has agreed to a four-year, $88 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet finalized.

Fox Sports first reported Sunday that the Red Sox and Ramirez agreed to terms. Boston is gearing up for another championship run after a last-to-first-to-last progression the past three seasons.

Boston also is expected to sign free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who is also awaiting a final offer to return to the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

The Red Sox could move Ramirez to left field, which could compel them to trade outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.

MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024

Ramirez, who turns 31 next month, debuted with the Red Sox in 2005 but was traded to the Florida Marlins in exchange for Josh Beckett before the 2006 season. In his past two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ramirez was very productive when healthy, batting .308 with a .907 on base plus slugging percentage. Injuries limited him to 86 games in 2013 and 128 games last season. The Dodgers won the NL West both seasons.

GALLERY: TOP 25 FREE AGENTS

Featured Weekly Ad