Red Sox announce 5-year deal with Pablo Sandoval

The Boston Red Sox welcomed their first major offseason addition Tuesday afternoon, as the club announced a five-year deal with third baseman Pablo Sandoval.

Sandoval, a two-time All-Star who won three World Series titles during his seven-year tenure with the San Francisco Giants, is set to earn $95 million over the next five seasons with a $17-million club option for the 2020 campaign, according to ESPN's Gordon Edes.

"I wanted a new challenge," Sandoval said at an introductory press conference at Fenway Park. "I needed a new challenge."

The 28-year-old boasts a career 123 OPS+ since making his major-league debut in 2008, and joins a club that finished 71-91 last season, just one year after securing a World Series championship.

David Ortiz, meanwhile, preceded the club's official announcement by welcoming Sandoval and expected fellow free-agent acquisition Hanley Ramirez to the team with a cordial tweet Monday night.

The Red Sox designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment to accommodate Sandoval on the 40-man roster.