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Gritty Moreland finds new home with Red Sox
- Updated: December 8, 2016
BOSTON — Mitch Moreland is best known for his grit, which will make him a perfect fit for the Red Sox’s infield. The team announced the signing of Moreland to a one-year, $5.5 million contract on Thursday.
Through the years, Boston fans have loved the players who display a burning passion on a nightly basis, which means they will likely take to Moreland in short order.
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“He’s always had a reputation of a gamer,” Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “I know when I was with the Tigers, one of our scouts, Dick Egan, was always telling me we have to get Mitch Moreland. He’s a player, a competitor, a gamer, a winner. I came here and the guys told me the same thing. So we love his makeup.”
Moreland will play first base — where he won the American League Gold Glove Award in 2016 with the Rangers — against right-handed pitching for the Red Sox. Hanley Ramirez will serve as the primary designated hitter in place of the newly retired David Ortiz. Ramirez will likely see some time at first against left-handed pitching while manager John Farrell uses the DH slot to mix in other players.
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“We feel this is a very good fit in a number of ways,” said Farrell.
Moreland — who was at Fenway Park on Thursday — couldn’t agree more.
“I’m super excited,” Moreland said. “I’ve always been a fan of …
