Report: Red Sox agree to 1-year deal with Moreland

The Boston Red Sox continued their busy Day 2 of the winter meetings Tuesday by reportedly agreeing to a one-year contract with first baseman Mitch Moreland, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The contract, which is pending a physical, will reportedly pay him $5.5 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Moreland could split time at first base with Hanley Ramirez, while also allowing the Red Sox to use Ramirez at DH more often. This transaction also likely clears the way for a healthy Pablo Sandoval to return to third base in 2017 instead of becoming a full-time DH.

Moreland, who's spent his entire seven-year career with the Texas Rangers, had a career season in 2015 but saw his numbers dip back towards his norms this past year. As the Rangers' everyday first baseman, he posted a .233/.298/.422 line with 22 homers, 21 doubles, 60 RBIs, and 118 strikeouts. A left-handed slugger at the plate, Moreland posted some surprising reverse splits this year, owning a .799 OPS in 100 plate appearances against southpaws compared to .700 in 403 PAs versus righties.

The 30-year-old more than made up for his shortcomings at the plate with his work in the field, taking home the American League Gold Glove at first base in 2016 after making just two errors and leading all AL first baseman with a 6.4 ultimate zone rating. His award-winning glove is an instant improvement over Ramirez, a notoriously poor defender who moved to first last year and struggled.

Moreland should also be happy about moving to Fenway Park, where he's enjoyed hitting during his career. Over 45 plate appearances at the venerable stadium, he owns a 1.061 OPS and has belted four home runs.

Before signing Moreland, the Red Sox spent Tuesday making the offseason's biggest splash by acquiring Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox. They also snagged reliever Tyler Thornburg from Milwaukee earlier in the day.