The Boston Red Sox and reigning World Series MVP David Ortiz are nearing an agreement that would extend the latter's career with the world champs, according to a source close to The Boston Herald.
"Momentum is building toward an agreement between the Red Sox and Ortiz that would continue their relationship through the 2015 season, according to a source familiar with the situation. Ortiz' current two-year, $30 million deal expires after this season," the media outlet reported on Saturday.
Ortiz has been vocal about his intention to finish his career with the Red Sox with a salary that would be similar to the $15 million he will earn this season. For the same amount of money, Ortiz's contract extension won't make any significant luxury tax implications for the reigning world champions.
Ortiz's agent Fern Cuza was spotted attending the Red Sox game at JetBlue Park on Thursday night, fueling talks that contract extension was garnering steam ahead of Big Papi's first spring training game on Sunday.
Earlier, Red Sox principal owner John Henry admitted that the organization was serious in keeping their best player despite his advancing age. "He wants to finish his career here, and we should try to make that happen," he was quoted as saying by the Herald.
While sluggers typically start to slow down as they hit their late-30s, Ortiz has become sort of an exemption to the rule. He batted .309 with 30 homeruns and 103 RBI last season, plus a .959 OPS. During the World Series which the Red Sox won, 4-2, over the St. Louis Cardinals, Ortiz was the runaway choice for MVP as he went 11-for-16 with six RBI.
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