Tigers GM: 'We're not thinking' long-term extension for Martinez
After falling short of the postseason for the second straight year, the Detroit Tigers might be heading into next year without a contract extension in place for one of their most valuable sluggers.
General manager Al Avila said Tuesday that contract discussions for J.D. Martinez - who is scheduled to hit free agency in 2017 - are not imminent.
"I don’t foresee any talks of a long-term contract at this point," Avila told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. "In saying that, we’re going to keep an open mind in what possibilities come across this winter, this coming summer. I’m not going to rule out that we wouldn’t consider a long-term deal, but sitting here today, we’re not thinking that way right now. Can’t say we wouldn’t be thinking about that down the road."
| Player | Contract | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | 7 years, $180 million through 2019 | 33 |
| Miguel Cabrera | 8 years, $248 million through 2023 | 33 |
| Justin Upton | 6 years, $132.75 million through 2021 | 29 |
| Jordan Zimmermann | 5 years,$110 million through 2020 | 30 |
With the fourth highest payroll in baseball for 2016, the Tigers have Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton, and Jordan Zimmermann all under contract past 2019, making Martinez a valuable asset on the trade market, as he will earn $11.75 million next year.
The 29-year-old was limited to only 120 games this season, but when healthy was one of the Tigers most prolific hitters, slashing .307/.373/.535 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs.