Red Sox finally officially introduce slugger J.D. Martinez
Feb 26, 2018, 7:49 AM
J.D. Martinez smiles during a news conference announcing his signing with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
(AP Photo/John Minchillo)
It’s official.
J.D. Martinez is a former member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
More than a week after word leaked out that the slugging outfielder would indeed sign a 5-year deal worth $110 million with the Red Sox, Boston finally introduced him Monday morning at a press conference in Florida.
Wait for it… 👀@JDMartinez14 is officially a member of the Boston #RedSox! pic.twitter.com/55nLCDQR1b
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 26, 2018
Martinez spent only a half-season in Arizona, but more than made an impact in Sedona Red. In just 62 games with Arizona, Martinez clubbed 29 home runs, drove in 65 and slashed .302/.366/.741 while posting an impressive 1.107 OPS while helping the D-backs to their first postseason appearance since 2011.
In four playoff games, Martinez hit .364 (4-for-11) with a home run.
The announcement of Martinez’s deal with Boston was delayed due to some contract language following his completed physical examination.
“It’s been a long process and I’m happy to just put everything behind me and be here today,” Martinez said Monday morning. “I can finally go out and just play baseball.”
Martinez joins a crowded Boston outfield which already includes Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts, meaning the newest Sox player could see time at designated hitter in 2018.
“I’ve been studying the Red Sox’s lineup, and it’s a strong lineup,” he said. “Obviously, playing against them when I was with Detroit, they’ve got guys that have a lot of speed, guys that get on base, guys that can really move around the bags and produce runs very quickly.”
It’s really real! pic.twitter.com/cVSpZZJXSV
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 26, 2018
