Free agent shortstop Hanley Ramirez could be headed back to where it all began – Boston. According to a pair of reports that began circulating on Sunday night, the Red Sox are interested in bringing Ramirez back to the organization that initially signed him as a teenager in 2000.
First, there’s the report from Jon Heyman of CBS, who claims that the Red Sox are looking to bring Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, and Jon Lester all to Boston.
The Boston Red Sox are trying hard for a huge free agent double play, as they are involved with not only Pablo Sandoval but also Hanley Ramirez, according to sources.
The Red Sox are known to be in the middle of talks for star third baseman Sandoval, and after remaining in contact with Ramirez since as far back as the GM meetings, they are believed to be possibly moving toward an agreement with the star shortstop.
The Red Sox could even make it a triple play if they are able to lure both those positional stars, plus their former ace Jon Lester, who they are also talking to.
Then, there’s Alex Speier of WEEI, who echoes the Ramirez to Boston rumors.
According to an industry source, the Red Sox are in advanced conversations with free agent Hanley Ramirez, with the possibility that a deal “could come together quickly.” As of this afternoon, the source said, there was not an agreement between the sides, but the potential for a deal is real.
Ramirez, who turns 31 in December, hit .283/.369/.448 with the Dodgers in 2014 with 13 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Each of those marks was the second-lowest total of his career. He’s mainly been a shortstop throughout his career, but has indicated he’d be willing to change positions with his new team. If the Red Sox can’t sign both him and Pablo Sandoval, it’s presumed Ramirez would take over at third while Xander Bogaerts continues to man short.
However, if both Ramirez and Sandoval sign, Boston could move Ramirez to their crowded outfield. The Red Sox currently have seven outfielders on their 40-man roster, with four (Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Allen Craig, Shane Victorino) of those seven guaranteed a combined total of $40 million in 2015 alone.
