Martinez 'not leaning' toward opting out of Red Sox contract

It appears Boston Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez won't hit free agency this winter.

The veteran reiterated Friday that he doesn't expect to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract.

"I have to talk to (agent Scott Boras) but given the situation and everything it's probably not leaning the way," Martinez said, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI. "But that's me. I have to talk to Scott. He's the Jefe. You have to talk to Scott. He has the answers."

Martinez said in early September that he "would not want to be a free agent during this time" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 33-year-old was an All-Star in each of his first two seasons in Boston and has become one of the most feared hitters in the sport, but he's had an uncharacteristically dreadful year at the plate. He's batting .217/.293/.389 with six home runs and 25 RBIs in 51 games.

His poor offensive showing has baffled the Red Sox.

Martinez can opt out of his five-year, $109.95-million contract again after the 2021 season. He's poised to earn $19.375 million in each of the next two campaigns, according to Cot's Contracts.