Hanley predicting 30-plus homers, 100 RBIs upon return

Armed with a surgically-repaired left shoulder, Hanley Ramirez is entering potentially his final season in Boston with renewed confidence.

The Red Sox slugger battled through one of the worst seasons of his career in 2017, limited almost exclusively to designated hitting duties due to ongoing shoulder soreness. Ramirez had the issue corrected with surgery in October following the club's postseason exit, and has set the bar high for this upcoming season.

"I know I can hit. I can get 100 RBIs and 30-plus homers if I'm healthy," Ramirez said Saturday, according to Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. "That's what we're working for this offseason. No offseason for me and I'm starting to show it."

Ramirez hit 30 homers and drove in 111 RBIs for the Red Sox in 2016, but managed only 23 and 62 respectively in 2017, slashing just .242/.320/.429.

A healthy Ramirez will go a long way in helping the Red Sox keep pace in the division with the loaded New York Yankees and, if he produces, could also help net him some additional cash. Ramirez has a $22-million vesting option for 2019 that kicks in should he receive 497 plate appearances. That number should be easily obtainable if he's an everyday player, but if he struggles, the Red Sox will likely make sure he doesn't get the playing time needed to reach the mark.

"You just got to hit," Ramirez said. "If you hit, you're gonna play. It don't matter. That's all you got to do. You got to produce. I know I can hit and I’m gonna hit."

Ramirez is currently penciled in as the club's DH for this season, and could see time at first base against left-handed pitching. The Red Sox, however, are looking to add a middle-of-the-order bat this winter and have been heavily linked to J.D. Martinez. Should they sign Martinez, Ramirez will likely platoon with Mitch Moreland at first base.