Boston Red Sox all-time best free agent signings
By Sean Penney
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Just over a week after the Red Sox had reached their initial agreement with Napoli on a three-year deal, the Red Sox signed Shane Victorino to an identical $39 million deal. Unlike Napoli, Victorino had no pre-existing medical issues that forced the Red Sox to alter the terms of the agreement. However, just as was the case with Napoli, Victorino had an outstanding 2013 season, followed by two injury plagued years that derailed the rest of the contract.
Victorino hit .294/.351/.451 in 2013 and earned a Gold Glove award for his outstanding play in Fenway’s difficult right field. The Flyin’ Hawaiian quickly established himself as a fan-favorite and proved to be a vital cog in the team’s championship that season. In the seventh inning of Game 6 of the ALCS, Victorino smashed a game-winning Grand Slam over the Green Monster to defeat the Tigers, sending Boston to the World Series.
A number of injuries limited Victorino in 2014 and he eventually was shut down due to season-ending back surgery after appearing in only 30 games. He would return with the Red Sox the following season, but a nagging hamstring injury landed him back on the disabled list. Victorino played only 33 games for the Red Sox last season before being traded to the Angels.
Victorino essentially earned his entire $39 million in one great season, so don’t worry about how it ended, be happy with what he helped this team accomplish in 2013. In the end, every little thing turned out all right.
Next: Adrian Beltre