David Ortiz would like to sign a multiyear contract with the Boston Red Sox or move on. He revealed this in an interview with Boston’s CBS4’s Sports Final on Sunday.
Before the 20007 season, Ortiz signed a four-year, $52 million contract, with the Red Sox picking up his option in 2011 for $12.5 million. In 2012 he was offered salary arbitration, but he ended up signing a one-year contract for $14.575 million. Last offseason, Ortiz signed a two-year extension for $26 million, which increased to $30 million after he didn’t appear on the disabled list, according to ESPN. Ortiz has one year left on his extension and would be a free agent after this year.
“Hey, I would like to [retire with the Red Sox]. I’m having fun. It’s been a hell of a ride as long as I’ve been here,” Ortiz said. “But as I always keep on telling people, this is a business. Sometimes you’ve got to do what’s best for you and your family.
Ortiz added, “As long as they keep offering me a job and I keep doing what I’m supposed to do and the relationship keeps on building up, I’m going to be there. Hopefully, I won’t have to go and wear another uniform.”
This season will be Ortiz’s 18th season in the major leagues. He spent his first six years with the Minnesota Twins, and the last 11 years with the Red Sox. Last year he hit .309 with 30 homeruns and 103 RBI’s, according to NESN. In the World Series, Ortiz hit .688, an average that is only exceeded by Billy Hatcher of the Cincinnati Reds, who hit .750 in the 1990 World Series, ESPN notes.
Ortiz has won three World Series with the Red Sox and is one of the best players of the game. It will be a shame if the Red Sox don’t give Ortiz a long-term deal and he leaves the games, since he’s a great player.