The Detroit Tigers and J.D. Martinez have agreed on a two-year, $18.5 million contract extension, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation. The deal buys out the final two years of arbitration eligibility for the outfielder.
Martinez, a right-handed hitter from Nova Southeastern University, was reported to be in talks with the Tigers on an extension, according to Chris Iott of MLive. The two parties were obviously able to agree on a suitable deal for both the club and the player.
Detroit filed at $6 million and Martinez filed for arbitration at $8 million. Since 2001, the Tigers have not taken a player to an arbitration hearing. Luckily, that streak will continue because the two sides agreed to a deal. Martinez will make $6.75 million in 2016 and $11.75 million in the 2017 season. The slugger will hit free agency after 2017.
Martinez was released by the Houston Astros on March 22, 2014 and was signed by the Tigers two days later. After hitting .251 with 24 homers and 126 RBI across three seasons in the state of Texas, Martinez made a name for himself in the Motor City. The 28-year-old has slashed .296/.350/.543 with 61 homers and 178 RBI across 281 games in two years with the Tigers.
In 2015, Martinez picked up his first All-Star selection as he played in 158 games and hit .282 with 33 doubles, two triples, 38 home runs and 102 RBI. Martinez's performance in the field and at the dish allowed him to secure the American League Silver Slugger award in right field and the American League Gold Glove award at the same position. He was a spark for the Tigers, who finished last in the American League Central.
The outfield for Detroit will feature Justin Upton in left field, Cameron Maybin in center field and Martinez in right field, while Anthony Gose will serve as the fourth outfielder on the team. Detroit has their best lineup in years and a healthy rotation, which makes them a contender for a playoff spot in 2016.