Howard Smith – US PRESSWIRE
Boston Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz has been a huge part of the Red Sox for the past several years. The Red Sox have reaped the benefits of his play and want to keep him. According to Jon Heyman of CBS, Red Sox management and the Ortiz camp are finalizing a deal. The contract is believed to be a two year deal worth between 25-30 million.
The Red Sox extended a qualifying offer earlier today, signaling their willingness to retain a key piece of Boston’s lineup from last season. Ortiz has spent the last ten years in Boston, following six years in the Minnesota Twins organization. Between the two clubs, Ortiz has smashed 401 career home runs to go with 1,326 runs batted in.
Although aging, Ortiz has certainly remained productive in Boston. Last season in only 90 regular season games, Ortiz totaled 23 home runs and 60 runs batted in along with a solid .318 batting average, quite a high average for a power hitter like him. He earned $14.58 million last season for the Red Sox, playing on a one year deal.
With Ortiz likely back for two more years, Boston should have a big part of their lineup solidified. He’ll play the role of designated hitter on the regular, as long as he stays healthy. The Red Sox have other big decisions on whether to target big name players including outfielder Josh Hamilton and pitcher, Zack Greinke. Other possibilities include trading for some talent, possibly Philadelphia Phillies‘ star pitcher, Cliff Lee.
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