Report: Tigers, J.D. Martinez avoid arbitration with 2-year deal
The Detroit Tigers reportedly avoided arbitration with outfielder J.D. Martinez on Monday by agreeing to a two-year, $18.5-million deal, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.
Martinez has enjoyed two fantastic seasons since the Tigers signed him in March 2014 following his release from the Houston Astros. The 28-year-old slashed .282/.344/.535 with a career-high 38 home runs and 102 RBIs across 158 games last season.
| Year | GP | HR | AVG/OBP/SLG | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 158 | 38 | .282/.344/.535 | 5 |
| 2014 | 123 | 23 | .315/.358/.553 | 4.2 |
| 2013 | 86 | 7 | .250/.272/.378 | -1.3 |
| 2012 | 113 | 11 | .241/.311/.375 | -0.6 |
The two-year deal buys out the remaining arbitration years for Martinez, and he receives a significant raise from the $3 million he earned last season.
When the two sides originally exchanged arbitration figures last month, Martinez filed at $8 million, while the Tigers countered with a $6-million offer.
The Tigers haven't reached arbitration with a player since right-hander Chris Holt in 2001.