Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
With the Boston Red Sox sitting at the bottom of the American League East, some have speculated that he will jump ship to a contender in the ensuing weeks. However, Ortiz has already stated he has no plans to ditch the Red Sox at the trade deadline.
“No chance,” Ortiz said, according to the Boston Globe on Thursday. “This is the team I’ll be with the rest of my career.”
“I couldn’t do that to my family,” he continued. “I couldn’t just go to another team and fit in after all of these years. I want to be here.”
Even if Boston decided it was in the team’s best interest to deal Ortiz before the July 31 deadline, the 2013 World Series MVP has the ability to reject any trade offers. The reason is because Ortiz has 10/5 rights. Since he has spent at least 10 years in the big leagues and at least five years with the team he currently plays for, he has the ability to refuse any trade the Red Sox may present to him.
I cannot imagine a situation in which Boston would want to part ways with Ortiz, especially since he has been such a big part of the organization for over a decade. Not to mention, there are not many teams that are going to give up top prospects to receive a 39-year-old who is batting .231 with only nine home runs in 221 at-bats this season.
It certainly does not come as a surprise to see veterans in trade rumors with the deadline looming and the Red Sox being sellers at the end of July. But, to even consider Ortiz as someone who will be dealt is ludicrous.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
