It's no surprise, but J.D. Martinez seemed to confirm the obvious on Friday by stating he doesn't plan to opt out of his Red Sox contract after this season.
The Red Sox designated hitter has struggled mightily throughout the 2020 campaign, which is why it's almost inevitable he'll opt in to his $19.35 million salary for next year rather than test the free-agent market.
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Martinez was asked about the opt-out during his Zoom conference with reporters.
“I don’t know,” Martinez said. “I guess I have to talk to [agent] Scott [Boras]. I think, given the situation and everything, it’s probably not leaning that way. That’s something where I need to talk to Scott. He’s the jefe [chief]. You’ve got to call up Scott. He’s got the answers."
Martinez is hitting only .217 with six home runs and 25 RBI during his uncharacteristically bad season at the plate.
If Martinez does indeed return to Boston next season, he'll have two years left on his five-year deal. He'll make a guaranteed $38.7 million over that span.