Reaction: Red Sox hit grand slam with reported Hanley Ramirez signing

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly set to announce the acquisition of the most coveted offensive player on the open market. All it cost them was a few million more than catcher Russell Martin.

Boston answered its division rival Toronto Blue Jays late Sunday, reportedly agreeing to terms with shortstop Hanley Ramirez on a contract in the range of five years and $90 million. 

Whether that figure holds up once terms are finalized remains to be seen, but the $18-million average annual value is a major coup for the already financially-blessed Red Sox.

The deal appears to be discounted given Ramirez's offensive pedigree, perhaps due to his oft-injured reputation or reported desire to return to Boston. Either way, the Red Sox just acquired a right-handed hitter whose well-above league average production should soar even higher at Fenway Park.

A key component to the reported signing will be which position Ramirez suits up at Opening Day.

Boston reportedly has an offer out to free-agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, but perhaps it would serve the club better to pass on his inflated contract demands and focus its efforts and resources on starting pitching. 

Ramirez's long-term value plays better at third due to concerns over health and defense. And while his bat is less desirable at a corner position, a weak third base market and Fenway Park factors help mitigate such loss in value. It would also stabilize Xander Bogaerts' future in Boston. The 22-year-old shortstop has been asked to split time between third and short filling the Red Sox weakness de jour.

A deal this big is likely to cause ripple effects throughout the league this offseason, especially in Boston. After adding such a potent bat below market value, it stands to reason the Red Sox will look to deal from their surplus of outfielders to address other areas of need. Yoenis Cespedes figures to be one player whose name will likely surface in trade rumors in the coming weeks.

One player whose name will no longer appear in the headlines - Hanley Ramirez. The big-spending Red Sox just secured the best free-agent hitter available on a relative bargain.