Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez had an All-Star season in 2015, hitting .282 with 38 home runs and 102 runs batted in.
The Tigers are trying to work out a contract with Martinez, but, the two sides are roughly $2 million dollars apart. If a deal is not reached very soon an arbitration hearing will be scheduled.
Time dwindling for Tigers, J.D. Martinez to get deal done https://t.co/MGmLl43WwX pic.twitter.com/yvO0ITu6eI
— Detroit Tigers Fans (@TigersViews) February 1, 2016
Tigers GM Al Avila told the Detroit News that a hearing isn’t the end of the world:
“That doesn’t really play into this,” he said. “That’s more of a media thing. If you have to go (to arbitration), then you have to go.”
For his part, Martinez certainly is indicating his love for the Tigers:
“I want to be a Tiger for life. … This team gave me my opportunity, so I would love to stay here as long as I can and finish my career next to Miggy (Cabrera) and Victor (Martinez). That would be awesome.”
Wondering about how J.D. feels about new Tiger outfielder Justin Upton signing a long term deal? Martinez told ESPN that signing only makes the team stronger:
“I think it’s great for us. I was excited about it. I was like, ‘This is awesome. We have another bat in the lineup. It just makes our team that much better,’ ” Martinez said. “Everybody knows what he can do. I’ve been a fan of his for a while, just watching him and he’s a great ballplayer, so I’m really excited to have him here.”
