David Ortiz: 'I don’t think there was any doubt' about rejoining Red Sox

If Boston Red Sox fans were doubting whether or not the organization was going to re-sign designated hitter David Ortiz, well, you were not thinking the same way the long-time slugger was, reports Comcast Sports New England.

"I don't think there was any doubt. They approached me. Our negotiation this year was easier than ever. They know what they were looking for. [President/CEO] Larry [Lucchino], Ben, they were the guys that my agents talked to the most. It wasn't even a going-back-and-forth type situation... It was pretty much, ‘OK, this is it and I agree with it.' The whole plan is pretty much coming out next year and have a great year and that's what they're looking for."

On Monday, the 36-year-old Ortiz inked a new two-year, $26 million deal with Red Sox, an organization he's spent the last 10 seasons with. According to general manager Ben Cherington, Ortiz was the team's No. 1 priority entering the offseason.

Ortiz is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, as he hit 23 home runs with a .611 slugging percentage. The DH played in just one game from July 15 due to a right Achilles injury. The injury is not expected to be an issue heading into next season, said Cherington.

"He's feeling a lot better now. It's not a concern moving forward anymore that it would be for any player. As we approached this we looked at the body of work, the track record. He's been incredibly productive and durable over the course of his career. He's been one of the more consistent and durable and productive players in the game over a long span of time. So that gave us a comfort to do a two year deal, which was important to David."

Now that Ortiz is locked up for the near future, the Red Sox can focus on improving the rest of the roster.