Victor Martinez has agreed to a four-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, according to multiple reports.
Martinez’s deal is worth $68 million, sources told CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman and FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi. The former Boston Red Sox slugger reportedly was the Tigers’ top priority this offseason despite right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer and outfielder Torii Hunter also hitting free agency after spending 2014 in the Motor City.
Martinez’s $17 million average annual salary is the highest ever given to a designated hitter. Red Sox DH David Ortiz is set to earn $16 million in 2015.
Martinez, an American League MVP finalist, has spent the last four seasons with Detroit, though he missed all of 2012 with a knee injury. He is coming off a 2014 season in which he hit .335 with 32 homers, 103 RBIs and an AL-leading .409 on-base percentage. Only Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen had a higher OBP (.410).
Martinez, a five-time All-Star who played for the Red Sox in 2009 and 2010, will turn 36 in December. His new deal will include some no-trade protection, according to Morosi.
Photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
