Mere hours after adding ace starter Chris Sale in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago White Sox, the Boston Red Sox have filled another immediate need in what is quickly becoming a stacked roster.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, Boston has signed former Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
Source: #RedSox, Mitch Moreland agree on 1-year, $5.5 million deal. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 6, 2016
It seems rather clear that Moreland, 31, will be called on in part replace the production Boston has seen from the recently retired David Ortiz over the past several seasons.
This past season saw the veteran post a .233 average with 22 homers and 60 RBI. Though, his .298 on-base percentage and 118 strikeouts should concern fans in Boston.
Moreland, a left-handed hitter, has posted a career .341 average in 14 games at Boston’s Fenway Park.