Red Sox officially acquire manager John Farrell, sign him to 3-year contract

The Boston Red Sox officially announced the hiring of manager John Farrell in a press release Sunday.

Boston signed Farrell, the team's pitching coach from 2007 to 2010 before taking the job as manager for the Blue Jays, to a three-year deal.

As compensation to the Toronto Blue Jays, who still had Farrell under contract through next season, the Red Sox sent shortstop Mike Aviles to Toronto. The Red Sox also received relief pitcher David Carpenter in the deal.

"I'm extremely excited to be returning to the Red Sox and to Boston," said Farrell in a press statement. "I love this organization. It's a great franchise in a special city and region, with great fans, and we want nothing more than to reward their faith in us."

Farrell led the Blue Jays to an 81-81 record in his first season with the club in 2011. Last season, Toronto finished 73-89.

During his time as pitching coach, Boston's pitching staff held opponents to an American League-low .254 batting average and led the league with 4,771 strikeouts.