The Boston Red Sox are believed to have had the best offer on the table for J.D. Martinez for quite some time now, and the free agent outfielder has finally accepted it.
ESPN’s Pedro Gomez reported on Monday that Martinez has officially signed with the Red Sox. Jon Morosi of MLB Network was told Martinez’s contract is front-loaded and worth $110 million over five years.
J.D. Martinez’s deal is $110 million over 5 years, sources say. Contract is front-loaded prior to opt-out. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 19, 2018
There have been reports for several weeks now that Boston’s offer to Martinez was in the five-year, $100 million range. We have also seen indications that he was frustrated with the Red Sox and seeking much more than that, but the market has apparently been set.
Martinez, 30, hit .303 with 45 homers and 104 RBI in 119 games with the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He should provide the Red Sox with some desperately needed pop in the middle of their order.
