Coming off a fourth World Series win in 15 years, the Red Sox are firmly entrenched among baseball’s elite. Not only has the team been a regular contender in the playoffs, but also in the offseason in the pursuit of free agents.
Year after year, the Red Sox’ payroll ranks near the top of the league. And while some of Boston’s most important free agent additions (such as David Ortiz) were inconspicuous at the time, there have also been a parade of high-profile signings.
Few were more important or significant than that of Manny Ramirez on December 12, 2000.