J.D. Martinez informed the Red Sox this afternoon that he will not opt out of his current contract, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports:
He instead will return for a third season, earning another $23.75 million before facing another opt-out opportunity next winter. His five-year, $110-million contract has been, thus far, a win-win for both player and organization. Martinez has solidified his status as one of the game's elite hitters, while the Red Sox have won a championship and embraced a Martinez-driven culture of mechanics and analytics. It's been an ideal fit.
But in September ownership declared its desire to trim payroll and improve player development, and trading Martinez would be an opportunity to do both.