Report: Martinez willing to hold out into spring training for deal

Free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez isn't in any rush to get a deal done, and the 30-year-old is even willing to "hold out" into spring training, at least, for what he believes to be fair market value, acquaintances of his told Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Martinez, who has reportedly received a five-year offer from the Boston Red Sox and, sources suggest, at least one other offer, was thought at the outset of the offseason to be seeking a contract in the $200-million range. Two months later, with spring training rapidly approaching, Martinez's asking price hasn't dipped much, as the one-time All-Star is reportedly still seeking a six-year deal worth at least $180 million.

Though no team has confirmed making an offer, it is believed that interested clubs have proffered contracts in the range of $120 million to $150 million. In addition to the Red Sox, the Arizona Diamondbacks - who acquired Martinez from Detroit in July for the stretch run - are reportedly keen to bring the right fielder back, while the Toronto Blue Jays have been showing interest in Martinez, too.

Last year, despite appearing in only 119 games due a foot sprain that sidelined him for the first six weeks of the season, Martinez set a career high with 45 homers while hitting .303/.376/.690 (166 OPS+) between the Tigers and Diamondbacks. Since 2014, only five players (min. 2,000 PA) have managed a higher OPS than Martinez (.936), who has averaged 3.7 WAR, 32 homers, 31 doubles, and 130 games per season over that span.