Red Sox Legends Earn Spots Among MLB’s Greatest Signings
Filmogaz.com’s Bradford Doolittle ranked the top free-agent signings in major league history since free agency began fifty years ago. Two Red Sox moves from the early 2000s stood out on that list.
David Ortiz: From castoff to franchise icon
The Red Sox signed David Ortiz in 2003 to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. He had been released by the Minnesota Twins at age 26 despite a strong prior season.
Ortiz hit .288/.369/.592 with 31 home runs in his first Boston season. He went on to play 14 seasons in Boston and finish with 483 homers for the franchise.
Those 483 home runs rank second only to Ted Williams in team history. Ortiz helped Boston win three World Series titles.
He produced a .947 OPS in postseason play. Ortiz also finished fifth in AL MVP voting in his first Red Sox season.
Ortiz continued to re-sign and extend with Boston. He reentered free agency after 2011 but ultimately stayed a Red Sox legend.
Manny Ramirez: Big money, big production
Boston signed Manny Ramirez before the 2001 season to an eight-year, $160 million contract. Ramirez provided elite offensive production during his Red Sox tenure.
He slashed .312/.411/.588 while in Boston. He earned eight consecutive All-Star nods and six Silver Slugger awards.
Ramirez helped the team to two World Series titles. He remained with the club for roughly seven and a half years before a 2008 trade to the Dodgers.
In historical OPS+ rankings for the franchise, the order includes Ted Williams, Tris Speaker, Jimmie Foxx, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, and Wade Boggs. Ramirez combined prodigious talent with a mercurial personality.
Why those signings matter
Both pickups illustrate how low-cost or early investments can reshape a franchise. Boston turned a release and a big free-agent bet into long-term success.
Those outcomes are a reason Red Sox legends are frequently cited among MLB’s greatest signings. The duo altered the club’s competitive trajectory.
Recent free-agent outcomes
The team has continued to take risks in free agency. Aroldis Chapman delivered significant value for Boston last year.
Conversely, Ranger Suarez has struggled to start his $130 million deal. Suarez allowed four runs in each of his first two starts with the club.
Front-office moves remain a key focus as the Red Sox aim to replicate past successes in the open market.
Looking ahead
Boston’s history shows smart signings can produce lasting results. The club will seek more high-impact additions moving forward.
Filmogaz.com will continue tracking how current and future signings measure against those early-2000s benchmarks.
