Red Sox Make Flurry of Moves

Brian Hines
Contributing Writer

On the first day of free agency, Dave Dombrowski was a busy man. The Red Sox made several moves to prepare for the upcoming season.

The biggest news was that the Red Sox picked up Clay Buchholz's $13.5 million dollar option (Read more here: http://www.redsoxlife.com/2016/11/red-sox-pick-up-clays-option.html )

Other than Buchholz, the Red Sox exercised David Ortiz's 2017 contract option. The option is worth $17.2 million, but Ortiz still intends to retire this offseason.

Ryan Hanigan's 2017 club option was declined, making him a free agent. With Sandy Leon, Christian Vazquez and maybe Blake Swihart, the Red Sox have no room for Hanigan.

Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, catcher/outfielder Blake Swihart, and relievers Carson Smith and Brandon Workman were all reinstated from the 60-day DL. Sandoval could contend for there starting third baseman position this season. He also could be a candidate for the DH spot. Swihart will provide depth in the outfield and could become the clubs starting catcher. Workman and especially Smith will provide more depth and talent in a subpar bullpen.

Pablo Sandoval, who has seemed to slim down, was reinstated today and could compete for a starting role in 2017.
Photo Courtesy of +FC Barcelona 

The last move of the day was infielder Josh Rutledge being reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. Rutledge was then optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Dombrowski has been known to work fast in free agency. Last year he acquired closer Craig Kimbrel on November 13th. The Red Sox should have another busy winter and it will start sooner then later.