The Boston Red Sox and one of the top free agent infielders on the market this offseason, Hanley Ramirez, are working on a deal that could come together rather quickly, according to sources to Alex Speier of WEEI.com’s Full Count. No deal is imminent, according to the same source, but the interest is mutual and the conversations are in advanced stages.
Contrary to what the general audience might think, the possibility of the Red Sox getting a deal done with Hanley Ramirez doesn’t mean that the team is pulling themselves off the Pablo Sandoval’s sweepstakes, as the team is planning on making a push to land both stars, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Although it will be interesting to see how the Red Sox fit both Sandoval and Ramirez together on their infield, one thing is for sure, and it is that if they can pull off deals for both of them, they will be the immediate winners of this year’s offseason.
Ramirez, arguably the best offensive free agent on the market, finished last season with a .283 batting average, sending 13 balls over the fence and driving in 71 runs for the NL West Champs Dodgers. Despite his not-so-impressive numbers last year, Hanley has made his case to cash in big time this offseason over the past few years.
On the other hand, Sandoval offers similar offensive numbers, but with above-average defense, something Hanley lacks. The combination of the two, though, could become a real threat to the AL East teams should the Red Sox trigger both deals.
It’s still to be seen whether or not the Red Sox’s interest in Hanley has something to do Sandoval maybe leaning toward one of his two other suitors, Padres and Giants, but either way, the Red Sox figure to land one of the two top free agents this year.
Stay tuned for further information.
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