The Red Sox and David Ortiz have opened discussions for a contract extension through 2015, accordion to the Boston Herald's John Tomase. The 38-year-old slugger has expressed his desire to stay with Boston for an additional year, which would require the two sides to agree to a one-year extension.
David Ortiz extension: Big Papi and the Red Sox are finally negotiating
Both sides hope to reach an agreement before the season begins.
Jamie Squire
Ortiz said earlier this offseason that it would be “time to move on” if the Sox didn’t offer him an extension, but the team appears to be willing to offer him a deal that would prevent him from becoming a free agent after the season.
Ortiz’ agent, Fernando Cuza, met with team officials recently, expressing his client’s desire for a one-year, $15 million extension.
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The Red sox could approach the negotiations in a number of different ways. They could simply extend him for one season at $15 million, or they could choose to offer him a one-year deal with a vesting option for 2016 as well. Tomase suggest that Boston could extend a straight two-year extension to Ortiz as well, if “they really want to nip this in the bud.” A deal of that nature would secure him through his age-40 season in 2016.
The 17-year veteran has been excellent in his late-30s, posting a .311/.401/.527 batting line in three seasons since turning 35. Last season, Ortiz was named to a fourth consecutive All Star team, his ninth in the last ten years.
He missed some time in 2008 and 2012, but otherwise, Ortiz has been able to log at least 600 plate appearances in each season over the last decade. That durability, and his consistent dominance in the batter’s box should lead to at least one more season with the Red Sox in 2015.
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