Red Sox sign Mitch Moreland to 1-year, $5.5 million deal

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Red Sox continued their busy day Tuesday, agreeing to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal with first baseman Mitch Moreland. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com first reported the agreement.

Moreland is the third significant addition of the day for the Sox, who also acquired starter Chris Sale and reliever Tyler Thornburg in separate trades. Boston parted with seven players, including Travis Shaw and Yoan Moncada, to acquire Sale and Thornburg and solidify itself as one of the prime contenders in the American League.

Moreland, who also drew interest from the Indians and Blue Jays this winter, will give Boston a left-handed first base/designated hitter option to pair with Hanley Ramirez. Despite calls for the club to make a big splash like Edwin Encarnacion or Jose Bautista in the wake of David Ortiz’s retirement, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski consistently said that the club would pursue a part-time option to bring left-handed balance.

Moreland, 31, has spent his entire career with Texas and hit .233/.298/.422 with 22 homers and 60 RBI last season. He is a veteran of seven years, and won his first Gold Glove award for Texas last season.

To track all of the moves from the Winter Meetings in National Harbor, be sure to check out our Winter Meetings Tracker.