David Ortiz has a message for his haters.
The Boston Red Sox designated hitter earned an extra $1 million for 2016 by flying out in the first inning of Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles. It was Ortiz’s 600th plate appearance of the season, and it completed the final checkpoint on his vesting option, guaranteeing him $16 million next season.
“I earned my (expletive),” Ortiz said Sunday, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
And for Ortiz, earning his, well, you know, means he can quiet the people who criticized him for talking about his contract extension at the end of the 2013 season.
“When I signed my last contract, I wanted the team to be happy,” Ortiz said. “But the most important thing was that for all the people who talked (expletive) about me talking about a contract, I wanted them to shut the hell up, too. I did something so I could earn it. Some people say the team always gives me things and I don’t earn it. I’ve heard people say I sound greedy when I talk about contracts. But it’s not greedy, it’s just the way it is.”
Ortiz understands that as an older player — he’ll turn 40 in November — he’s not going to ask for the world. He said his extension, which includes the same vesting option for 2017, was good for both sides and eliminates any need for more discussions.
But there’s still one other thing he wishes he could have done.
“I feel good,” Ortiz told Bradford. “When you know you’re not going to the playoffs, it’s something, in my case, it sucks. I want to be part of the big stage. But it is what it is. Get ready for next year, and hopefully the front office puts a good team together for next year and try and to make it happen.”
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
