We’ve heard rumors that David Ortiz was receiving interest from several teams not named the Red Sox this offseason, but now the Boston Herald is reporting that teams are expressing “serious interest” in the slugger. According to the Herald, Ortiz has already received multiple offers. Even though he just turned 36-years-old, the Herald is also reporting that Ortiz is seeking a three-year deal.
The Red Sox and Ortiz have expressed mutual interest in a return, and Papi has said that he will allow Boston to match any offer he receives on the open market. The Red Sox have offered Ortiz arbitration which would result in a healthy increase to his 2011 salary ($12.5). Still, Ortiz wanted to test the free agent market. Because of his age, Ortiz is likely trying to sign what would probably be the last multi-year deal of his career.
Ortiz’s recent numbers seem to warrant such a deal. Though many wondered if Ortiz was done a few years back, the slugger returned for a solid 2011 season. Last year Ortiz hit at a clip of .309/.398/.554 with 40 doubles, 29 home runs and 96 RBI’s. Ortiz led all AL DH’s in almost every category, earning him his fifth Silver Slugger Award.
Since his down year in 2009, Ortiz has combined to tally 76 doubles, 61 home runs and 198 RBI’s over the past two seasons.
The Herald speculates that Ortiz’s suitors could include the Blue Jays, Rays and Rangers. While the Herald believes the Yankees are unlikely to pursue Ortiz, they believe it is way too early to rule New York out altogether.
Wherever Big Papi goes, it’s a guarantee that it will be an American League club where he can DH. This figures to limit Ortiz’s opportunities and the Herald notes the depressed DH market and his Type A free agent status as other factors that will hurt the slugger’s marketability.
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