Tigers Sign Victor Martinez To Four-Year Deal, Accomplish Biggest Offseason Goal
Even though it seemed for a time like catcher Victor Martinez might explore options outside of his Detroit Tigers, the two sides came to an agreement to keep the slugger in Detroit. Most likely, this four-year deal will ensure that the 35 year old retires as a member of the Tigers.
Reported earlier by ESPN, the four-year deal is worth $68 million.
For a team that was one of the best in the American League last season, keeping their catcher was priority No. 1 from the beginning of free agency. By holding onto Martinez, they have ensured they should be right at the top of the American League Central division once again in 2015.
Last season, the catcher was just one of a few players in the league to reach base at a .400 rate or higher, which instantly makes him valuable. In addition, for someone who hits for as much power as he does (58 home runs in the equivalent of two and a half seasons with the Tigers), he very rarely strikes out.
More importantly, perhaps, is that he’s a leader in the Tigers locker room. For a team that may lose another veteran leader in outfielder Torii Hunter, they couldn’t afford to lose Martinez. Since the roster is steadily becoming younger and younger, they can use all the leadership they can get.
After locking up Martinez, one of the best offensive catchers/designated hitters in the game, Detroit figures to try to retain Hunter and possibly go after other outfielder free agents such as Colby Rasmus.
With a solid rotation, even if and when they lose Max Scherzer, the Tigers should be right up there with the best teams in the AL in 2015. This signing of Martinez went a long way toward ensuring that.
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