The free-agent dam is slowly beginning to break, as Eric Hosmer, Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas and Tony Watson have all agreed to multi-year deals in the past five days, while Eduardo Nunez, Jaime Garcia and Chris Tillman have all come off the board on one-year pacts. J.D. Martinez, though, remains available as the top bat on the market despite a lack of obvious suitors for his services outside of the Red Sox and D-backs. Here’s the latest chatter on the slugger…
- Drellich tweets that he, too, hears a deal between the Sox and Martinez is near, adding that Dombrowski would not comment on the matter.. Piecoro tweets that the D-backs are also under the impression that Martinez is going to the Red Sox, and they’ll need to find a replacement for him.
- The Red Sox and Martinez are now “moving close to a deal,” tweets Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. There’s nothing finalized yet, he adds, noting that details on the pact remain unclear at this time.
Earlier Updates
- Martinez and the Red Sox are still negotiating as of this afternoon, reports Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston. Chairman Tom Werner deferred questions on the matter to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, Drellich writes, noting only that, “Obviously, there’s no news,” at this time. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, meanwhile, tweets that the door for a deal between Boston and Martinez remains open but adds that the team’s interest isn’t going to be indefinite. The Red Sox, according to Abraham, are “prepared to move on entirely or to another player” if they reach the point where they feel there’s no compromise possible with Martinez. Logan Morrison has been reported to be a possible fallback option for the Red Sox if they move on or if Martinez signs elsewhere.
- “I don’t think we’re done by any means right now,” D-backs CEO Derrick Hall told reporters on Monday (via Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic). Hall said he’d be “surprised” if his team’s roster didn’t change before Opening Day, noting that GM Mike Hazen is looking both at free agency and the trade market. Hall said he entered the offseason hopeful of having an “outside chance” at retaining Martinez — a nod to an expected level of demand for his bat that never seems to have fully materialized. The D-backs’ new television deal, increased revenue from a playoff season and the $50MM BAMTech payout are all cited by Hall as reasons that ownership has taken the 2018 payroll to new heights. It’s not clear based on his comments, though, how strongly he believes Martinez can be fit into the mix. Hall did cite a history of getting “creative” when it comes to retaining/acquiring players about whom they feel strongly. “It’s time to finalize that roster one way or the other, if we are going to improve, which I believe we are,” said Hall.
JD, tell Boras to get off his high horse and just do the inevitable which is signing with Boston
His high horse brought Hos 8yr/144M..
Yeah I have to say Boras is who he is because he rarely doesn’t get his client what they want. Sometimes takes longer, but really how much time does JD need in spring training anyways?
Yea agree but was originally looking for 10 years 210-225. Boras is seeing his analytics he used in past to get huge contracts used against him.
But Hosmer still isn’t worth anywhere near 8/144M. The fact he got that clearly shows he knows what he’s doing. Hosmer isn’t more than an average offense player with a decent glove. Guy isn’t worth more than 5/85M
Which is really what he got
You’re referring to the 3/39 after the opt out. That would put the deal closer to 5/105, which is an extra 4mil per year. That’s a big difference. Additionally, he’s not leaving 3/39 on the table if he believes he can get more elsewhere during that same time.
Hosmer is worth it. He’s 28, not a “decent glove” he’s won 5 gold gloves, and yes he’s been inconsistent at times with his bat but he’s had some good season counting the past two years. They’re getting someone who they can build around and who is a star for 20 mill through his prime years. And then in his mid 30s for 13 mill a year. I think that is a good deal.
Boras has always used the same tactic. Throw out a HUGE number, way beyond what anyone thinks a player is worth. And from time to time a stupid owner or GM would bite. He still uses the same tactic, but the bites on those overblown offers are less frequent. But he still gets his clients market value or better in almost every instance. It’s not relevant that Boras threw out a 200+ number. Whats relevant is he got a guy that is as likely to below average as he is above average 144M bucks guaranteed, and with the option to try again in 5 years if he is actually doing well and reasonably assured he can do better than the back end 5/39. If Boras gets 5/125 for JD, thats 19M more than Upton got, and although JD is a better hitter, Upton a better fielder and baserunner, and far more durable and healthy and likely to post up 145 or more games a year. (JD has done that ONCE in his career, Upton 7 years running). So 5/125 is actually pretty darn good for JD. I think the only problem here is JD and his agent actually bought into the 200M hype from Boras and are not being objective about his true market value.
Hosmer has a career 111 OPS+, and 132 last year. I can understand skepticism over the contract due to his inconsistency, but he’s more than an average offensive player.
No he did not get 8 years its effectively a 5 year deal. Big deal
Yes, because gold gloves are an optimal way to measure one’s defensive prowess. Derek Jeter certainly deserved all of them for his stellar defense.
Also, what is with this last 2 years thing? Hosmer was a – fwar player in 2016. He had a 102 wRC+…as a first basemen.
He will not opt out at 34. I’ve been in this argument before and was proven wrong. Hosmer has a -29 UZR. That’s absolutely atrocious. To compare guys like Teix, Pujols were well over +60 UZR.
No 1st basemen unless he’s Albert Pujols in his prime is worth a 8 year contract. It’s the easiest position to fill and you need the flexibility there because your team will probably signed another horrendous contract to a old player who won’t be able to field his position at even a below average level so you’ll need 1st base open for him. Your star player now at 30 will be crappy at 35, stop pretending like age curves aren’t a thing
He’s a good player but look he signed with the Padres who will stink the whole time he is there
Why not sign for less with a better team
Big mistake for him
My whole argument was to the “Hosmer has 5 gold gloves” comment. Pujols has 2 and has a UZR of over +70. Teix has 5 and has a UZR of over +60. Hosmer has 5 gold gloves and a UZR of….. -29
Hosmer does some things that don’t show up on stats.
1. He makes the other infield defenders better. He saves more errors then any other 1st baseman in the game.
2. Clubhouse factor. Most MLB teams the Latin players and the non-latin players have their own groups. Hosmer gelled both groups together. Making for a better team.0
Only because there were two teams with money to spare dead set on Hosmer, and only Hosmer, as a guy they were willing to splurge on. It allowed him to use their desires against each other
Remove one of those two teams ability to spend that kind of money and lower the desire of the second club – what it would mean is Hosmer likely doesn’t get anywhere near what he did. It would also mean you would have the situation JD is in right now.
JD has Boston and Arizona interested. That we know of. Could be more players not made public
Sure, Arizona who has no money to commit and the Red Sox who have no reason to up their offer because they don’t see him as worth the money.
AZ does not have the money without a trade or two.
They could possibly if they back loaded it but then when it’s time for goldy to walk… could they hold him?
It’s really 100 mil with a 5 mil signing bonus
What is the likelihood that he will keep the offer of 3/36? Chances are he will if he is subpar or the padres are killing it by then
Chances are he will walk if he can get more money else where and it doesn’t matter how good or bad the padres are
Which isn’t anything special to get an $18M AAV ….
I suspect JDM will get a very similar deal to Hosmer.
Oh brewcrew is a Boras lover.
Sorry to tell he he got him a 5 year deal. The easy to opt out portion was to get him to save face with people like yourself who do not understand that its really not an 8 year deal at all
Please explain why Hosmer opts out? To leave 3yr 39M on the table at 34 would mean he’s pretty confident he gets more right? So you’re argument is that it’s a 5/105M deal with a chance for him to earn more if he opts out? OR the option to stay locked in through age 37-38? Yeah you’re right Boras screwed up big time.
The player makes the decision and not the AGENT!
Who do you think gets him the offer? Come on now.
The agent gets him the best possible offer and if the agent thinks they should wait then the player makes the decision whether to wait or sign what they have. People on here act like Boras is forcing these players not to sign. The agent is an employee of the player that looks out for their best interest but still the employee. Come on man.
Exactly. Martinez turned down the Boston offers, not Boras.
If that was so why doesn’t Boras represent part time players or bench players.
What does that have to do with player/agent dynamic?
Oh so Boras recommended JD sign last month huh? I doubt that
Because it not worth his time.
Just like lawyers rep cerain clients.
Scott Boras represents tons of bench player, part-time players, minor league journeymen and middle relievers. Among the bunch:
Willie Bloomquist, Christian Bethancourt, Everth Cabrera, Chris Coghlan, Bruce Chen, Nick Franklin, Grant Green, Jeff Manship, Eric Patterson, Ryan Spilborghs, Taylor Teagarden …. all Boras Corp. clients.
How about the deals he got guys like Kennedy, Stephen Drew, etc…you act like he isn’t the best agent in sports. Just salty he’s slowed down this offseason.
Or Boras advised him to turn it down? Just a thought..talk to me when Boras makes a bad deal dollars wise. I hate the guy but he’s the best agent in the game. Probably all of sports.
It really is amazing how many people don’t understand that. Boras does NOT decide whether an offer gets accepted or not.
Of course Boras doesn’t actually accept the offer, but you better believe he is in JDs ear every chance he gets telling him how much he should get, how much he’s supposedly worth, and how he’ll get him more if he continues to hold out. He’s not the one putting pen to paper, but he’s directly influencing the decision.
Yea cause that’s what great agents do.
The common sense is baffling. You guys are right. Boras makes millions and millions just taking offers to players. His a multi-million dollar middle man.
Always remember, Boras got 5/70 for Ian Kennedy.
Always remember, Boras also got $214 MM for Prince Fielder.
@jacobsigel1025
Why do you feel Boras has control over his employers actions? That makes zero sense
Reality is, if JD wanted to take the one reasonable offer he has received, he would have. Instead, he has refused it and is demanding more money despite zero reason for the Red Sox to bid against themselves.
It’s long since he states by multiple players that they “trust” in Boras. They listen to GIS advice and rarely do otherwise.
Sure, fine, whatever – JD “trusts” Boras
…but still if JD was willing to take the only reasonable offer on the table, he would. He doesn’t want to tho, and instead “trusts” Boras to get him the more money and years JD desires
Boras fails very infrequently. Sure, he’s had some misses. But his track record of producing for his clients is why they listen to him. I wouldn’t bet against Boras- especially when he’s going up against Dombrowski, a GM he’s basically owned for 15 years.
Boston doesn’t need JD that much, doesn’t feel he is worth what he is asking for, and there is no other team that can get anywhere near what they have already offered. (Arz is the only other team that seems to have any interest, and they don’t have the cash to approach what Boston has offered)
JD just has no ground here at all, regardless if he had the best negotiator in the history of mankind as his representation.
Boston gets tired of his game and the ground falls out from under JD completely
Boras never owned DD. It was the owner Ilthch that he owned
I think most of Red Sox Nation is already over JDM; the 2018 team already looks great without him. Either sign at the actual market rate or take a pillow contract with Arizona so we can all move on!
Darn tootin!
The team is pretty much identical to the one they had on August 1, 2017. The same one that got eliminated in the ALDS. Unless all of the players that had down years in 2017 rebound they probably will suffer the same fate in 2018 even assuming they can win the division and not be forced to play in the Wild Card game. This team has warts, power being the main one and that has not been addressed.
Actually the Red Sox fate will come down to the health of the pitching they have the best starters in the AL east and there bullpen has a chance to be elite too.
The addition of JDM while a nice luxury is not what is going to determine how the Red Sox finish this year. They have made it to the playoffs last two years that’s all you can ask get to the playoffs and see what happens.
The Red Sox will be just fine I think a change of coaching staff and being more aggressive at the plate will help. Let’s get the season started the Red Sox will be able to add to at the deadline if needed. Looking forward to a very good season from the Red Sox.
Interesting that both Buster Olney (ESPN) on his Insider post and Bleacher Report both recently ranked the Yankees Starting Rotation 6th Best and the Red Sox 7th Best in the ML’s.
Maybe you are a little to close to the situation to fairly evaluate the teams.
Buster doesn’t have any Yankee bias at all. The Red Sox rotation is better if David Price can pitch 90% of what he’s capable of. If not it’s close.
If the Red Sox pitchers are healthy they are better then New York’s. The key is David Price if he is healthy then Boston has arguably the best one two in baseball. We will see it will come down to who has the healthier staff between Boston and New York.
Is a D backs fan, I’d rather they signed Arrieta.
Red Sox need to set an expiration date for their deal. If he wants to demand that the Red Sox big against themselves than walk away and move on.
Yes! Well said mchayes85!
I think you are correct., then go with Morrison or something like that.
Just say no to LoMo!
This is getting comical. DD has done nothing to entice him to Boston. Boras is a predator, n he will get a deal from someone, like Hosmer in Sa Diego. The sox would never do a deal like that after the disaster with the Panda. I’ve given hoping the Sox could measure up to the NYY, but they could without JD if they got more pitching.
DD has done nothing to entice him to Boston – other than offer him (by all appearances) more money than any other bidder?
Yeah. DD should really wear a low cut shirt during negotiations.
Lol, yes!
“Boras is a predator, n he will get a deal from someone…”
Oh yeah, no doubt he will get a deal from someone
But reality is, if the Red Sox walked away today, the deal would most likely be for just 1 season.
Boston is ok if their pitchers did their job they wouldn’t need to worry about pitching. Boston has a great staff in my opinion no reason they can’t win. Everyone on the NY bandwagon and I’ll get dislikes.
But I’m not. Stratton doesn’t make one team. He gets cold in post season then what. They still need a 3rd baseman n pitching no matter what people think.
Boston needs a big bat. Pitching is not the issue if Price n the rest of them lived up to their job. Can’t put it all on sale he’s only one guy. I still think Houston will return to the WS.
It’s the pitching n defence that you look at.
Yeah it’s definitely time to either sign him or move on. If he’s not willing to take the offer they’ve presented or anything close to it in compromise, then they need to go elsewhere. JDM has had some stellar numbers at the plate in the last few years but like a lot of people last year was a career year and I just don’t see him putting up numbers like that for the next 3 years assuming he’ll decline steadily after that.
Boras is smarter than the rest of us. See the deal he just got for Hosmer? Who would have bet on that? He’ll make the JD deal when they’re happy with where he is going and he got the absolute last dollar available.
Boras is a predator. San Diego, the prey, could afford to do this, even if he fails, the fans there do NOT care.
His job to to get the best deal for his clients.
He seems to do a good job of that.
Player % of revenues is now less then 40%.
Just saying
Dombrowski was the prey plenty of times during his time in Detroit.
Oh Greg if Boras said so you would drop to your knees for him.
He got him basically a 5 year contract for 100m when it was reported he had 7 year offers for 140 and Boras begging for 9 year deal
Who would have thought Boras would so such a poor job? Obviously not you
He got 8/ $144 MM , every penny is guaranteed if Hosmer wants it. And no, Boras never begged for a 9th year.
Some people are just good at their job and other people are just jealous.
Morrison is NOT an answer in Boston. JD or pitching.
Wake me up when something actually happens.
JD wants too much money, the DBacks should offer Lucas Duda a 2-3 year offer with an option. He can play in the outfield and the position that he can play is right field since he will not be able to play first base. It looks like the Diamondbacks and Red Sox will not offer a contract for more than 100 million to JD.
No way I’d want to see Duda play in the outfield. That’d be a disaster.
JD will sign w/ the Red Sox. There is one suitor offering a LT deal. This is all just a Kabuki dance. The ball is in Boras and JD’s court, the final offers from the Dbacks and Sox are in. He will be in a Sox uniform w/i two weeks.
As to the Dbacks, Derrick Hall reminds me of Crane Kenney of the Cubs…he should leave any comments re: player development or player acquisition to the Baseball Department specifically Hazen.
Would love if the braves came out of no where and swiped this guy. I know we would never spend that kind of money but still
And that is ridiculous since they have it. And they have a new park to fill up. Jeez he may hit 100 Home runs there
Braves ownership is a tax write-off. They’re not interested in actually spending money to be better. I wish someone else would buy the Braves.
I wouldn’t say the Braves won’t spend it. I feel like they’ll be in on FA players when the time is right. Something would have to be done w/ Markakis though, to sign JD.
I’d like to see them sign him as well.
Martinez will help the Sox but their whole season will come down to which pitching staff shows up. If Porcello and Price can pitch up to their capabilities or Rodriguez and Pomeranz can make the next step then they can overcome mediocre hitting. They have a full year of Devers to add to the lineup. It is a question of how do the young guys grow this year in the lineup.
Boston has I think 22-23M available to stay under the 237 cap., and needs a LH relief piece. Translates to max contract of 5/105 which is an overpay.
The cap is 197 not 237
Sox will be glad they got jd at whatever price. He will be the difference btw makin it to playoffs n makin it to ws
Even with him, they are well behind Houston and NY
Still have to play the games.
True that, in a short series anything can happen.
Good luck
You don’t sign a guy to that money on the hope that he doesn’t have a bad week in October… you sign a guy to that money because it separates you in the regular season.
One year deal with a healthy Matt Holliday and nabbing a Alex Cobb / Lance Lynn would be more beneficial
I think he will go to Boston I think they will figure out away. 7 years – 172
W/ an opt out after 4 years. My call
Too long and too much.
I agree too long too much but that’s what it will take.
Hard to see 6 years / 150. But possible. All the 5 year bids won’t even be close
As so many have noted, why would you think the Red Sox would outbid themselves AND likely go over the $237m cap? Take a nap and keep dreaming.
Your not very smart. Do you even know the cap or anything in baseball? Do you post to hear yourself. Cap is is 197 dumb @$$
Hey, Mikey, you want to get personal because I cited a fact? The hard penalty cap is $237 million this year, which is all anyone who understands cap space is discussing with respect to Boston in 2018.
Now who’s a dumb@$$, just to quote one! STFU.
6/162
@88wines – Lol you are totally clueless!
If the cap was 237 instead of 197. don’t u think the dodgers or yanks would have signed darvish? Or the cubs sign 1 of them and resign davis? Don’t comment anymore, you just made yourself look foolish..
Better yet, don’t you think the dodgers would have taken stanton? Just never comment again..
It’s not a “cap,” it’s a luxury tax threshold. Teams can choose to exceed it for a cost.
Just never comment again..
I’d put my prediction at 1/19 from Arizona
…unless, of course, he finally decides to accept the 5/100-125 (whatever it actually is) offer on the table now
Who would ever opt out at 34(?) years of age while making $24.5 mil/yr?
There’s no point in even including an opt out. Just like David Price’s, he’ll never walk away from all that money or think he can make more on the open market at that age.
Boras to Red Sox: “They just gave that bum Hosmer 8 years and $142M. JD is a far better hitter.”
Will be funny if he is an even odd player and only pushes out 20-25 and 60-75 rbis. Funnier if Boston pays him +25M a year.
JD might prefer AZ to what he imagines BOS would be like. Every loss the end of the world. Hit three solo homers, strike out in the ninth and get booed. DH. Lots of fly outs to right. Win 95 games, finish behind NYY, get mauled by the Astros in the ALDS, get no love from the swells in Fenway.
What’s so crazy about wanting to play in AZ? Actually play the games, offense and defense, The air conditioned peace and quiet of the desert, A hitter’s park. The same division as Coors Field? No nasty local media.
AZ is in this.
As a Sox fan, he would be a great addition but personally your argument for AZ sounds great. I would prefer a less hectic, less stressful career over more money. In the end, he’ll have millions regardless of where he plays, however we all know money is king and that’s where he’ll go.
Much tougher trying to chase the Dodgers and Rockies than the Yankees and Blue Jays IMHO. Humidor coming to Chase Field. Only nine-ten games at Coors, 18 or so at AT&T and Petco. The other end of the double end sword in Boston, some people love it here and love the passion of the fanbase. Ortiz, Sale, Beckett, Lowell, Pedroia, Youkilis, Varitek, Napoli, Ross, Victorino, to name a few.
The years of hyperbole (your note as an example) about Boston and its fans has long since worn out, and every item in your opening paragraph is unsubstantiated tripe – do you work for ESPN? While I think most fans care about the sports teams, only the most egregiously stupid management decisions are really called out by fans, and even then, they realize life is about more than the collective fates of professional athletes who make hundreds of times their “market” in a world that celebrates meaningless achievement over real accomplishments. You should clarify that the Boston media is a lot like Boras — creating mountains out of mole hills by manipulating public opinion with deception and sensationalism completely out of proportion with reality.
Boston has not been very savvy in recent years with big contracts. They are probably going to end up bidding against themselves for Martinez. The gap between their offer and the second highest is likely very large, but they don’t want to start the season without their needs in place… Nice way to start a several year relationship, with a guy holding out until the end of February.
Considering Heyman is a Boras employee, this is a done deal.
Please no
Please no
Please no
It ain’t ova yet !!!!!
Let’s wait until we see what actually happens.
Everyone in the Trade Rumors community expected it to be between BOS and AZ.
Looks like that’s still the case.
There are no starting pitchers out there the Red Sox want as Arrieta and Lynn have QO’s.
Maybe they can pursue them in June after the draft, if either is still on the market.
I’m not sure they have it locked up with JDM yet.
Doesn’t sound that way?
I am in different.
I could take JDM or leave JDM.
He will help the Red Sox but so could other players.
I hope the Red Sox draft wisely in June.
If they get JDM it shows that a QO was a big deterrent to many teams. JDM did not have a QO.
Arrietta and Lynn did have QO’s.
Assuming they wanted either SP.
15 yrs $300 mil
Pick the deal.
I’m going 7/172 with an opt after 4
4/45
Not even close. If anything 5-140
6-150
No way in HELL Michaelw..he is nowhere near a 30 mil a year type of player. Sorry that made me chuckle. That’s trout and Harper money. 18-20 a year is most he will get
Hey I agree. But you look at what figure Boras started w 200. Look at the current offer 5-125
Look at the SD signing. Then go in the middle.
I agree I’m a bit high. But if I were guessing I’m at 26.5 a year
5/133-132 or 6 /140-144
Bet I’m close
Hey Phil – I’m not near 30 million can you add? I agree 5/140 is high but if they want the years reduced it will cost Boston.
Harper n Trout are near the 36-38 range btw.
If he turned down 5 at 125 you think he will get 18 – 20 a year. Where is your head at? That does make me laugh
Haha wtf r u smoking
Hey Phil I was a bit higher I said 26 million he got 22. Sure beats that 18-20 hu what are you smoking
Whatever I’m smoking I guessed right at 5 yr 105-110
Thank God. Now I can sleep at night.
Heyman has a piece up now….he can barely control his excitement. Info from “a source close to the situation…”
Meanwhile arrieta is thinking like man I should have taken that qo
JA should have taken that 4/88 extension.
That doesn’t sound like a bad deal
Even the contract they offer yu wouldn’t have been a bad deal. He said no
Moose is probably thinking the same
Actually they offered him 4/110 a couple years ago and he turned it down, now he will be lucky to crack the 100 mil mark lol
Yeah John that was in 2016. In Jan of this year they offered 4/88
If I were to take a gamble I’d say it’s about a 5 yr deal between 105-110 mil
I think he get 6 years.
6/150 very least. Opt after 3 or 4
My final offer
I don’t think he will get more than hosmer tbh
He is one dimensional hosmer is more of two way
As we wait to find out how close the deal will be to the rumored 5/100(-125?) Boston had offered, I thought it would be fun to remember where we started:
“Teams that have reached out early on J.D. Martinez have gotten the impression Scott Boras is looking for something in the $200 million range.”
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 8, 2017
I would hope that my agent would aim high, not low.
In the end J.D, Martinez will receive what the market will bear … and I suspect Martinez will be happy with the result after earning $11.75 million last year.
There is a difference between “aiming high” and smoking crack
Word coming out 5 @ 132 with opt out s after 2 years. Who knows.
Now Benintendi for Archer. Sox have survived lumbering sluggers in left before!
According to Pedro Gomez of ESPN it’s a done deal the Sox and Martinez. No specifics yet though.
Per Pedro Gomez, it’s a done deal.
Prediction – 6 yrs/$130MM Opt out after 4; $15MM per the last two years; No trade for 1st three years; limited no trade the rest of the way.
If that’s the case it’s $25MM per the first 4 yrs. If he doesn’t opt out it average $21.667MM per for 6 yrs. But he probably would opt-out after 4 baring something happening.
For the record I don’t see any specifics on any site as of yet.
I’m going to raise that. If he turned down 5/125 that 25 a year.
I’m still going with 6/138-140 w opt after 3 or 4
Or 5 – 132 – 133 with an opt after 2 years
The next nearest teams offer was 1 year from Arz
…why in the world do you think Boston would increase their offer?
Anyway, in the end, looks like you were about 2 years and 62 million off your first guess, and 1/30 off your newest. So much for that then…
Yes Red Sox sign him. He can’t play defense and has only once played more than 125 games. Give this guy 25+ million for 5 years. Yankees fans will thank you.
According to Jon Morosi: J.D. Martinez’s deal is $110 million over 5 years, sources say. Contract is front-loaded prior to opt-out after 2 years.
Makes sense but he lost money then if I do say if there was a 5/125 deal on the board. Why lose 3 million?
Probasbly wasn’t a guaranteed 5 yr/$125MM offer out there. Can’t believe half of the stuff that comes out as rumors.
Sox might have lowered their offer too, knowing there was no other interested and capable team to be found…
Remember too, it was right around the time JD was complaining to his friends that we heard Boston rumored 125 was actually more around 100. So might be fair possibility they did drop it down
There were all sorts of rumors $5 yrs $100MM / 5 yrs $110MM / 5 yrs $125MM none of them based on any actual facts by anyone with knowledge of the negotiations.
This just now from Buster Olney: J.D. Martinez deal is for $110 million. Reports of Red Sox offer at $125 million: Inaccurate. Boston offered 5/$100m early in the offseason, stuck to that until last 48 hours, goosed proposal to $110m.
Deal probably puts the Sox payroll for CBT purposes for 2018 at something > $230MM but < $237MM.
According to Jon Heyman: More Specifics: JD Martinez will have 2 opt-outs in his 5-year deal. deal frontloaded (50M 1st 2 yrs). 110M total.