The Boston Red Sox extended the olive branch to First baseman Mitch Moreland who in return agreed to a new contract to the tune of $13 million over the next two campaigns plus another potential $1 million in incentives.
Moreland spent the first seven years of his career with the Texas Rangers, but free-agent eligibility following the 2016 season allowed him to pursue a new path elsewhere. Moreland signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Red Sox.
In 149 appearances during his first year with the reigning American League East champions, Moreland slashed .246/.326/.443 with a .796 OPS—all numbers that were right in line with or slightly better than his career averages. The first baseman hammered 22 home runs good for third on the team and produced 79 RBI to complement a career-high 34 doubles.
With the return of Moreland, it more than confirms that Red Sox’s brass are looking elsewhere to bolster the team’s power hitting than to bring in coveted free agent Eric Hosmer.
Moreland’s incentives are built around his time on the field. Moreland makes $6.5 million in each of 2018 and 2019, plus another potential $1 million in incentives. He can make up to $500,000 each year: if he reaches 500 plate appearances in either season, he gets $250,000, and he gets another $250,000 if he reaches 550 plate appearances.
