MLB Rumors: Will Red Sox Slugger David Ortiz Stay In Boston? No Multiyear Contract Could Be Deal Breaker

Despite his desire to retire in a Boston Red Sox uniform, long-time fan favorite David Ortiz said recently that he’d be open to a departure from Fenway Park if he does not receive a contract extension. Ortiz, who turned 38 in November, has spent the last 11 seasons with the Red Sox and even though his career achievements with the 2013 World Series champions have been outstanding, the nine-time All-Star understands that Major League Baseball is a business and sometimes things don’t work out the way you hope. Interviewing with WBZ-TV this week, the former Minnesota Twins slugger said he feels good and looks forward to continuing his career, even if it is with another ball club.

“I always keep on telling people, this is a business,” Ortiz said. “Sometimes you’ve got to do what’s best for you and your family. As long as they keep offering me a job and I keep doing what I’m supposed to do and the relationship keeps on building up, I’m going to be there. Hopefully, I won’t have to go and wear another uniform. I’m feeling good. This is not a career that is forever, but as long as I’m having fun and as long as I keep on doing what I’m doing, and as long as I’m healthy, of course, I’m going to keep on giving it a try. It could be two years, it could be three years, it could be 10 years, you never know.”

A three-time World Series champion with the Red Sox, Ortiz was instrumental in the club claiming three titles in 10 seasons, feats that didn’t seem like much of a reality after the Sox went 85 years between 1918 and 2004 without hoisting a trophy. The Dominican Republic native slammed 30 home runs in 2013, drove in 103 runs and batted a crisp .309 in 137 games, completing one of the finest seasons of his career. Appearing in 16 playoff games last season, the Sox veteran drove in 13 runs – including 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series – propelling Boston to the top of the baseball world while bringing home World Series MVP honors.

Though he’d love to return to Boston to finish his career, Ortiz realizes that all options must be explored, but stepping away from the game at the present time will not be one of them. “If I have to leave, I’ve got no choice,” he said. “I’m not going to quit. As long as I keep hitting the ball the way I have, I’ve got to keep giving it a try.”