We wanted to sign David for 2013 season, says General Manager Ben Cherington – MLB Update
David Ortiz has posted some impressive numbers in his tenure with the Boston Red Sox. His heroic efforts in Red Sox’s World Series title winning campaign in 2006 will be remembered for a very long time. The 36-year-old works hard to stay healthy and fit.
According to a leading sports website, Ortiz attended Boston Celtics’ home opener on Friday evening after signing on a two year $26 million deal with the Red Sox. The crowd at TD Garden gave him a standing ovation. The Designated Hitter will also be eligible
for $4 million incentives in two years, which could raise the value of his contract to $30 million.
Ortiz made the most of available opportunities last season, hitting .318 with 23 home-runs and 60 RBI’s. In a press conference last year, Ortiz expressed his desire for a two year deal. General Manager Ben Cherington, who wanted to keep Ortiz, finally listened
as he agreed to David’s desire. In an interview, he stated that it was his top priority to get Ortiz signed as he has been an incredible performer for the Red Sox over for a decade.
''After the season we identified a lot of things we wanted to do this offseason,'' general manager Ben Cherington said. ''The most important one was to get David signed. This is a very important first step to our offseason. David has been an incredible performer
for the Red Sox for 10 years. What he's done on the field speaks for itself. He's also been an incredible leader of the team as well as one can possibly do that.''
Ortiz will also be able to claim a $1 million signing bonus on January 15, the source further claimed. If he has 20 or fewer days on the disabled list in the next season, Ortiz’s 2014 salary could be increased to $15 million. With 21-40 days on the disabled
list next year, he will be eligible for $13 million base salary for 2014 season. Ortiz managed to play just one game after July 16 in 2012 as he suffered an Achilles tendon injury.
It will be interesting see how Ortiz performs next season as he has basically gotten what he wants from the Red Sox and the team will be hoping he comes out swinging next year.
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