AL East

Lost in the shuffle of the Boston Red Sox's winter-meetings activity is the return of Pablo Sandoval to the lineup after he appeared in just three games last season.

The New York Yankees took a big step toward returning to contention once again by adding Aroldis Chapman.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Bronx Bombers inked him to a five-year deal worth $86 million Wednesday. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports confirmed the news.

Following a career year in 2016, catcher Wilson Ramos cashed in this offseason, reportedly agreeing to a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. 

FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman confirmed the deal and provided the financial particulars:

The Chicago White Sox have taken the bold step of building for their future by trading ace starting pitcher Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.

The White Sox announced they have acquired Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz in exchange for Sale.

New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter will have his famed No. 2 jersey retired by the storied organization before the team's game against the Houston Astros on May 14, 2017. 

The Yankees made the announcement official Tuesday morning:

The Boston Red Sox won the American League East in 2016 under John Farrell, and the organization decided Monday to keep the manager around a bit longer. 

The Red Sox announced they exercised the club option on Farrell's contract for the 2018 season.

The Toronto Blue Jays added a high-upside player to the roster Monday with the signing of Steve Pearce to a two-year, $12.5 million deal.

The Blue Jays confirmed the deal on Monday after ESPN's Buster Olney first reported the agreement and terms. 

A scant three weeks before Christmas, the New York Yankees signed Matt Holliday for one year and $13 million, per Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball. 

I will spare you the painfully obvious holiday/Holliday puns.

Matt Holliday struggled to find his previous All-Star form throughout an injury-marred 2016 season, but the New York Yankees reportedly took a chance on him Sunday.

The New York Yankees need a starting pitcher. In past winters, that would have led to their going after only the best options, and damn the cost!

But since they need to be smart this winter, let's help point them toward Rich Hill.