Red Sox Announce Ortiz' Two-Year Extension
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Red Sox and star slugger David Ortiz have agreed to a two-year, $26 million extension through 2014, the team announced on Monday.
The 36-year-old Ortiz said receiving the two-year deal he wanted from the club was never in doubt.
"I don't think there was any doubt," Ortiz said from Fenway Park on Monday. "Our negotiations this year were easier than ever... It wasn't even a going back-and-forth type of situation. It was pretty much 'this is it' and I agreed with it."
So Ortiz will be back for his 11th and 12th seasons with Boston, something the Red Sox brass is very pleased about.
"David Ortiz has made immeasurable contributions to the Red Sox for the past decade," Executive Vice-President/General Manager Ben Cherington said of his designated hitter. "He is an historic figure, a beloved hero, and an important player as we build our team for 2013 and beyond."
"David Ortiz has been one of the most positive influences in Red Sox history," added Principal Owner John Henry. "He has been a leader among his teammates, a favorite among the fans, and a powerful force in the middle of lineups that have produced so much joy and happiness for New England. He has our gratitude and respect as he continues a career that could culminate in Cooperstown."
Ortiz will make $14 million in 2013 and $11 million in 2014, according to a report by ESPNBoston's Gordon Edes. In addition to receiving a $1 million signing bonus, Ortiz' 2014 salary will escalate to $13 million-$15 million depending on the number of games Ortiz misses because of the Achilles injury that sidelined him for the second half of 2012, according to Edes.
When asked about the Achilles, Ortiz said he was feeling good and has already resumed leg exercises.
Over his 16-year MLB career, Ortiz has a .285 batting average with 482 doubles, 401 home runs, and 1,326 RBI. His 343 home runs with the Red Sox trail only Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, and Dwight Evans for most in team history.
Ortiz hit .318 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI in his injury-shortened 2012 season.
