There were rumors back in October that suggested the Detroit Tigers and outfielder J.D. Martinez were "mutually interested" in a contract extension. The two sides are still apparently trying to work out a long-term deal as the 2016 MLB season approaches.
Martinez, 28, is in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The slugger reportedly filed for an $8 million salary for 2016 and the Tigers countered with $6 million, so there's still some work to be done to get Martinez under contract for 2016. There are three options: go to arbitration and have a panel determine the salary; come to an agreement on the 2016 salary before the arbitration hearings next month; or hammer out a long-term deal.
The last scenario is seemingly what everyone is hoping for, but it's likely going to take time because it has to fit within the parameters of the Tigers' messy payroll situation.
"The Detroit Tigers and outfielder J.D. Martinez continue to talk about a long-term deal," writes Chris Iott of MLive.com.
"Both sides say they still want to get something done."
Martinez told George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press that the two sides "haven't come to something where we both feel comfortable on yet."
Iott also noted "some have suggested the Tigers are less likely to lock up Martinez" in the wake of the team signing Justin Upton to a six-year, $132.75 million contract. After all, the Tigers will have at least $185 million committed to the 2016 payroll, $164 million in 2017 and $138 million in 2018. All of those figures could reach the $200 million mark after arbitration salaries are determined and if contract options are exercised.
But there's still optimism on both sides that the situation will work out. Martinez likes Detroit, and it's safe to say Detroit likes Martinez after he's hit .296/.350/.543 with 150 runs scored, 61 home runs and 178 RBI over the past two seasons with the club
"I can't really comment on the negotiations with J.D. Martinez," general manager Al Avila said earlier in the week after the Tigers introduced Upton. "I hope for the best, because we love J.D. Martinez. As you know, I have a good history with him, and I think he's a very important part of this team."
"It's definitely something we're still talking about," Martinez told Iott. "It's something I think both sides are still interested in. We haven't come to something where we both feel comfortable yet.
"I love this team. I want to be part of this team. I would love to be a Tiger for life. We've just got to see how it goes."
Martinez said he hopes to get something done before the season starts, so the Tigers better get to work in figuring out their finances.
