David Ortiz: 'I earned' the right to return to Red Sox next season

David Ortiz will play at least one more season with the Boston Red Sox if he makes 10 more plate appearances this season.

"I earned it," Ortiz said Wednesday. "That's why I'm playing next year. Because I earned it."

The designated hitter can guarantee his $11-million option for 2016 with 425 plate appearances, and can hit escalators to increase next year's salary to $16 million.

"That's the way we pretty much agreed to do things," Ortiz added. "You know me, I get greedy when it comes down to performance. I want to put up numbers. I agreed to do it that way, because if I don't put up numbers, what would be the reason to continue playing?"

Ortiz, who leads the Red Sox in home runs (21) and OPS (.806), will turn 40 in November. It's the last year he can force the Red Sox to pick up his contract, as the club has a straight team option for the 2017 campaign. That suits Big Papi just fine, though.

"I work hard. I get ready. Pitchers, they know that my jersey says 'Ortiz' on my back. People need to sit down before they start talking and just watch the game a little more closely. Pitchers don't put them on a tee for me. I've got to go get it.

"I try to stay in good shape. It's all up in your mind. That's what I say. If you take care of yourself and do what you have to do, you can play at the age of 50. Just ask Julio Franco."

Ortiz has 487 career home runs heading into action Thursday, and is quickly closing in on the 500-homer plateau. He ranks third among active players in home runs behind Alex Rodriguez (678) and Albert Pujols (550).