The best offseason move in Red Sox history is, undoubtedly, signing David Ortiz. This is the only move that could top trading for Pedro. After the Minnesota Twins released him in December of 2002, Martinez came to the rescue with another tip for the Red Sox Front Office. He urged the team to sign his good friend and free agent Ortiz, and the rest is history.
Big Papi became the perfect compliment to Manny. The Dynamic Duo terrorized baseball for years to come. Ortiz finally had an opportunity to unleash the frustration built up from struggling in Minnesota, and he emerged as one of baseball’s best power hitters. He finished in the top five of MVP voting every year from 2003-2007, racking up four consecutive silver slugger awards.
Every time there were questions about his durability, he rebounded and recaptured peak form. Big Papi became the face of the new, successful Red Sox, the only player to be on all three championship teams. The 2013 season began with his famous speech and ended with one of the best individual World Series performances ever. Ortiz had one of the best farewell seasons ever, and although Red Sox Nation has been praying for a Papi comeback, he has stayed true to his retirement.
Next: Looking back at Red Sox first-round draft choices
Signing Ortiz resulted in an all-time Red Sox great. There are few, if any free agent signings that teams can say that about.