Victor Martinez's short-lived time in Boston has apparently come to an end. The free agent catcher has agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, according to multiple outlets.
It was originally reported by Venezuelan reporter Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional and was quickly confirmed by FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. CSNNE.com's Sean McAdam joined the confirmation party, tweeting that the two sides have a "four-year, $50 million agreement in place."
The Tigers bested the Red Sox, White and Orioles, said Serrano, who is reporting that Baltimore offered four years and $48 million, while Chicago was ready to give three years and $48 million. According to Rosenthal, "a final decision is expected Friday or Saturday." It's expected that Detroit will use Martinez as their primary catcher," but he'll probably see his innings behind the plate decrease thanks to the Tigers' Alex Avila.
While the Red Sox were hoping to re-sign the catcher, not all is lost: as MLB Trade Rumors points out, Boston will receive Detroit's No. 19 draft pick next year as compensation for the Type A free agent (unless Detroit also signs Jayson Werth later). Either way, the Red Sox will also receive a supplemental draft pick.
Martinez spent the past year and a half with the Red Sox after Boston traded for him in 2009. In his one full season with the Sox, Martinez was limited to just 127 games, missing some time with a broken thumb. He managed to hit .302 while slugging .493 with 20 home runs, 32 doubles and a 122 OPS+. Overall, he hit .313/.368/.497/.865 during his time in Boston.
This leaves the Red Sox with three catchers on their 40-man roster: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Luis Exposito and Mark Wagner.
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