Red Sox re-sign Steve Pearce to a one-year deal

Cross one thing off the Red Sox' off-season "To Do'' list.

The team signed free agent first baseman Steve Pearce to a one-year, $6.25 million contract -- exactly the same figure that Pearce made in 2018. The contract also includes a number of incentives that could boost Pearce's total pay.

Pearce, who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in June to help fix the team's issues against lefthanded pitching, often platooned with Mitch Moreland in the second half of the season, then emerged as the team's unlikely hero in the postseason, winning World Series MVP honors.

In the aftermath of the Series, Pearce publicly made it known that he would like to return to the Red Sox and it didn't take long to get that accomplished.

Pearce appeared in 50 games for the Sox during the season and hit .279 with a .394 on-base percentage. Against lefties in 2018, Pearce had a line of .304/.400/.559.

In the postseason, with Moreland hampered by a hamstring, Pearce started 11 of Boston's 14 games and hit .289 with four homers and 11 RBI and an  OPS of 1.083.

"We're thrilled to have Steve back with us for another year as we think he's a great fit for our club,'' said Dave Dombrowski. "Obviously, we all saw what kind of impact he can have on the field, especially with the postseason that he had. He also provides good depth and balance from the right side for us.''

In the final two games of the World Series at Dodger Stadium, Pearce hit three homers and added a bases-clearing double. His two homers in the deciding Game 5 helped the Sox clinch the title and effectively sealed the World Series MVP award. Those four hits were his only hits of the World Series, but each went for extra bases.

The return of Pearce means the Red Sox have virtually every position player on their roster under control for 2019. Only free agent second baseman Ian Kinsler is unaccounted for.

It's expected that Pearce will continue to platoon with Moreland at first, combining to give the Sox production against both lefties and righties. He can also serve as a right-handed bat off the bench, and on occasion, play the outfield.