Red Sox Make J.D. Martinez Signing Official
Finally, mercifully, J.D. Martinez is officially a member of the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox worked to finalize Martinez’s contract during a mysterious week-long delay, which felt like an eternity as it gave little in the way of answers. But the team announced on Monday that the free-agent slugger is officially signed.
Jared Carrabis of Barstool Sports was first to report on Sunday that the Red Sox were preparing to introduce Martinez in Fort Myers on Monday. Several others later confirmed the news.
J.D. Martinez (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Martinez originally agreed to terms with Boston on Monday, Feb. 19. But issues with his physical, which the Red Sox described as logistical in nature, delayed the official signing until the following Monday. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Monday that, as was widely speculated, long-term injury concerns caused the Red Sox to add language to the contract to protect themselves.
The concern is reportedly over Martinez’s right foot; he suffered a Lisfranc sprain before the start of the 2017 season. He returned to bat .303 and hit 45 home runs in 119 games with the Tigers and Diamondbacks.
Martinez’s introductory press conference with the Red Sox is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday. Much of the questioning will focus on, presumably, what took so long.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
