With the 2016 MLB season now fully in the rear-view mirror, teams are now able to make roster moves and the Boston Red Sox have made two already on the first day of the off-season.

The Sox have picked up the team option on the contract for Clay Buchholz and will retain his services for the 2017 season.  The option will cost the franchise $13.5 million and keep Buchholz off the free agency market where he was viewed to be one of the best available starting pitchers.

Buchholz had an 8-10 record with a 4.78 ERA during the 2016 season.  He also made 37 appearances with 21 starts for the Sox.

The Sox did not pick up the contract option for Ryan Hanigan, according to WEEI.  Hanigan played just 35 games in 2016 and hit .219 with three home runs in 2016.  Sandy Leon took over for Hanigan after an injury to the latter and never surrendered the starting job.  Hanigan made $3.75 million last season with Boston.

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