Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers agree to four year deal

Victor Martinez has reached an agreement to re-sign with the Detroit Tigers on a four year, $68 million deal. The agreement was first reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, while Jon Heyman of CBS Sports had the terms. Heyman also noted that the deal is pending a physical.

Martinez, who will be 36 in December, was the number one priority this offseason for the American League Central Division champion Tigers. Martinez experienced one of the best seasons of his career in 2014, slashing .335/.409/.565 with 32 home runs and 103 RBI. He also produced a .411 wOBAa, 166 RC+, and 4.4 fWAR – topped off with winning the AL batting title.

Martinez drew interest from the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners as free agency started to heat up. The Tigers acted quickly to lock their designated hitter up through the 2018 season.

In his twelve big league seasons, Martinez has put a .306/.373/.475 career line with 189 HR and 927 RBI. Considered one of the top hitters on the open market this offseason, teams with a lack of offense will now turn their attention to players like Melky Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval, and Nelson Cruz.