David Ortiz likely headed for free agency after talks stall with Red Sox

David Ortiz may not be coming back, after all. The longtime Boston Red Sox designated hitter will reportedly head for free agency after talks stalled between him and the Red Sox. Reports as recent as last week indicated that Ortiz and Boston were nearing a two-year contract extension, only to be refuted by another report.

The Red Sox have an exclusive window to negotiate with Ortiz through 12:01 a.m. on Saturday morning, and at that time other teams would be able to enter the mix. Ortiz could still return to the Red Sox even if he becomes a free agent, however, either signing a new deal with the team or accepting a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer that Boston is expected to offer him, according to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.

Ortiz has logged 10 seasons in Boston and has a .290 batting average with 343 home runs and 1,088 RBI in 1,377 games. Ortiz hit .318 with 23 long balls and 60 RBI last season.

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