ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with J.D. Martinez #28 after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Finally some much-needed good news has arrived for the Boston Red Sox, as JD Martinez made it clear he won’t opt out and will remain in Boston.
You can rest easy, Red Sox fans. That’s because as expected, superstar slugger JD Martinez has made it clear that he won’t be opting out of his contract and will remain in Boston to try and get the club back to the postseason in 2021.
Martinez had said consistently that he had no plans of going anywhere in recent months, which makes this weekend’s news no surprise whatsoever. Still, for Boston, it’s some good news that’s arrived in a year that’s been nothing short of a nightmare.
JD Martinez returning to the Red Sox next season is massive
The Red Sox are coming off one of their worst campaigns in years, as the team finished in dead last of the AL East standings in 2020 with its 24-36 record during the shortened 60-game season. After the abysmal showing, manager Ron Roenicke was fired.
Now, Boston has reportedly been in talks with Alex Cora to return to the dugout at Fenway Park. That would be something. And if Cora does make his way back, he’d have Martinez at his disposal to keep sending balls to the moon.
This past season, Martinez hit seven homers and posted 27 RBI. In the past three seasons, he’s hit 86 dingers. Because of his outgoing personality, Martinez is also a fan favorite throughout the Boston area.
Fortunately for all the Red Sox die-hards, Martinez loves the team and doesn’t see himself playing for anyone else anytime soon. Come 2021, he’ll hope he can keep providing timely hits for Boston, while helping the team push for an AL East championship.