Late in the day on Monday, some surprising news. According to sources who spoke to Jeff Passan, J.D. Martinez will not opt out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox. Furthermore, remaining with Boston allows Martinez an earning potential of $62.5 million dollars over the next three years. Also, he has an opt-out clause that is still in play after the 2020 season.
BREAKING: J.D. Martinez will not opt out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, sources tell ESPN.
By remaining with the Red Sox, Martinez can earn $62.5M over the next three years. He also has an opt-out clause after the 2020 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 4, 2019
Therefore, Martinez is playing with house money next year somewhat. He has the ability to put up some superstar numbers once again and then become a free agent with the chance to strike a huge deal a year from now. Or perhaps he could just remain on his current lucrative contract if he has another year like he did in 2019, which was merely decent.
In 2019, Martinez’s numbers tailed off while he battled back spasms. However, he was named an All-Star for the second consecutive season in Boston.
What comes next for the Red Sox will be fascinating. They have said they're shedding payroll. But who? Where? Would they really trade Mookie Betts, a legitimate franchise player and homegrown one at that?
Also on the J.D. Martinez decision to stay with the Red Sox: @JonHeyman.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 4, 2019
Finally, the most interesting part of this story becomes where the Red Sox will decide to trim their payroll. Ownership has already acknowledged that they know they need to trim payroll. Then, they said it would be difficult to keep Mookie Betts.
Something has to give, and it could bring a lot of names into play in Boston that the general public isn’t thinking about right now. Could it be Chris Sale becomes available in the trade market? Or how about Xander Bogaerts?
Behold the wonder of the MLB off-season, where endless possibilities exist because of unexpected variables like this one; Martinez opting to stay put for now.
