Ortiz compares J.D. Martinez to himself: 'I believe in those types of players'

David Ortiz is excited about the arrival of J.D. Martinez in Boston and sees similarities between himself and the newly acquired slugger.

"He's a guy, his career has basically been like mine," said Ortiz, who visited Red Sox camp last week, according to ESPN's Scott Lauber. "You go from underdog to superstar and you don't forget where you come from, and I believe in those types of players. And I know those players come in and don't take things for granted and give their best, so I like having J.D. here."

Before Ortiz became a household name with the Red Sox, he showed glimpses of the Hall of Fame-caliber player he would eventually become during a six-year stint with the Minnesota Twins. He was eventually released by the Twins in 2002, and a season later became the foundation of the Red Sox teams responsible for three World Series titles.

Like Ortiz, Martinez's career didn't blossom until he was released by the Houston Astros in 2014. He was then picked up by the Detroit Tigers and went on to hit 99 home runs and drive in 285 runs over four seasons before he continued to slug with the Arizona Diamondbacks after a trade last July.

Before release

After release

The 30-year-old Martinez signed a five-year, $110-million contract with the Red Sox in February. He was acquired to fill a void in the middle of the team's lineup which was left by Ortiz after he retired following the 2016 season.