Tigers officially sign Victor Martinez to 4-year contract
The Detroit Tigers have officially locked up their designated hitter for the next four seasons.
The #Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with Victor Martinez on a four-year contract through 2018.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) November 14, 2014
The team didn't disclose financial terms of the deal, but multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that Martinez will cash in $68 million for his services.
"Victor is one of the premier hitters in the league and we are thrilled that he will continue his career in a Tigers uniform," said Tigers president, chief executive officer and general manager David Dombrowski in a release. "His production in the middle of our lineup and veteran leadership are invaluable to our ballclub."
Martinez expressed his overwhelming desire to remain a Tiger at a press conference Friday afternoon, and said he didn't reach out to other teams despite his free-agent status.
"We have a lot of work to do, starting next spring. I'm real excited about it and happy to finish my career in here in Detroit," Martinez said. "Really excited for this opportunity to get my dream complete, which is winning a World Series."
Tigers general manager David Dombrowski also revealed during the presser that Martinez approached him half-way through last season without the consent of his agent about re-signing with the club.
The 35-year-old hit .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 151 games for the Tigers last season.