MLB: Boston Red Sox sign Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez

Third baseman Sandoval has signed a five-year $95m deal with Ramirez, who is set to make a move to the outfield next season, agreeing terms on a four-year $88m pact.

The Red Sox had the second-worst batting average in the American League last season at .244, going from the 2013 World Series champion to a last-place finish in the AL East division, but Ramirez and Sandoval will provide their offense with an instant boost.

Sandoval won three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants, most recently in October, when only the heroics of pitcher Madison Bumgarner denied him the chance of a second post-season MVP award.

"I need a new challenge," Sandoval said. "I'm happy to be here right now. It's exciting to be here with Hanley and David (Ortiz).

"I know that I had a great career in San Francisco. But I'm going to have a new one here."

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington added: "There was a lot about Pablo that appealed to us. This was an opportunity to add a really great player, a great person, and a great fit for our team at a position we need."

Ramirez is a career .300 hitter, but he battled injuries over the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is set to become Boston's new left-fielder after spending most of his career at shortstop.

"His willingness and openness to embracing it was really appealing to us," Cherington said.