Designated hitter/outfielder J.D. Martinez will return to the Boston Crimson Sox in 2021, electing to not change into a free agent, as anticipated, MLB Community reported Sunday.

He signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Crimson Sox in February 2018, which included a participant opt-out for every of the ultimate two seasons.

He advised reporters in September that he was leaning towards returning to Boston, saying, “I’d not need to be a free agent throughout this time.”

Main League Baseball is headed into an unsure offseason, dealing with the monetary ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Martinez had back-to-back All-Star seasons in 2018 and ’19, however his productiveness plummeted in 2020. He hit simply .213 — he is a profession .290 hitter — with seven residence runs and 27 RBIs in 54 video games. His on-base share (.291) and slugging share (.389) have been his lowest since 2013.

He’s owed $19.35 million for every of the subsequent two seasons. He may select to choose out after 2021, as nicely.

Martinez, 33, is getting into his 11th MLB season. He additionally performed for the Houston Astros (2011-13), Detroit Tigers (2014-17) and Arizona Diamondbacks (2017) earlier than signing with the Crimson Sox.

His greatest season got here in 2018 with the Crimson Sox, batting .330 in 150 video games. He hit 43 homers and led the majors in each RBIs (130) and whole bases (358).

He has 238 residence runs and 738 RBIs in 1,122 profession video games.

–Discipline Degree Media