Free-agent first baseman Mitch Moreland‘s seven-year run as a Texas Ranger came to an end Tuesday. According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Boston Red Sox and Moreland have agreed on a one-year deal, pending a physical.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the one-year contract is worth $5.5 million.
Moreland had spent his entire career with the Rangers, compiling a .254 batting average and 110 home runs in the process.
He’s not the flashiest player, nor the most powerful, but Moreland has proved he can contribute to winning teams.
During his tenure in Texas, Moreland and the Rangers made the postseason five times, including two trips to the World Series. He announced his presence to the Rangers roster during the 2010 Fall Classic against the San Francisco Giants:
Since that rookie season, Moreland recorded three years in which he hit 22 home runs or more, including 2016 when he hit 22 homers and drove in 60 runs.
However, his average dipped to a meager .233 while striking out a career-high 118 times, which were not the best numbers heading into free agency.
There will be some big shoes for Moreland to fill upon his arrival to Boston.
With the retirement of David Ortiz and the rekindling of Hanley Ramirez’s career at first base, Moreland could spend a lot of his time as Boston’s designated hitter in 2017.
While it won’t be expected for him to put up the 38 home runs and 127 RBI that Ortiz recorded in his final year in 2016, Moreland could be a welcomed addition as long as he produces his familiar numbers in his new home.
Boston’s lineup is stacked with young talent in the form of Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. alongside the veteran Ramirez. Each of those bats put up over 20 home runs last season and is expected to repeat that kind of output next year.
Another 20-plus home run bat in Boston’s lineup would be helpful on a team that might not need as many runs with a new-look pitching staff that will feature Chris Sale—who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, per Rosenthal—alongside David Price and reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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