Boston Red Sox All-Star outfielder J.D. Martinez is staying out of free agency this time. Martinez’s agent Scott Boras confirmed to The Boston Globe on Tuesday that Martinez won’t use the option to opt-out of his contract with the Red Sox and will play for the organization in 2020.
Martinez signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Red Sox in 2018 under which he could opt out following the end of 2019 season. By not opting out, the 32-year-old will earn $23.75 million next season. He also has opt-outs for 2021 and 2022, when he is scheduled to earn $19,375,000 in each season.
“J.D. has advised me that his decision is about assuring that he plays for a competitive team and wanting to continue to play in a place where he knows that he can be highly productive,” – said Boras.
J.D. Martinez played a crucial role in Red Sox’s World Series run in 2018, when he led the team in home runs (43), RBIs (130) and hits (188). He hasn’t been as effective in 2019 due to injury struggles but still managed to put on an All-Star-worthy season with 36 homers.
Prior to arriving in Boston, Martinez also played with Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He has three career All-Star appearances and three Silver Slugger Awards. His career MLB stats include .294 batting average, 231 home runs, and 711 RBIs.
