Reports: Red Sox Legend David Ortiz To Retire After 2016 Season
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- According to multiple reports, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz will retire after the 2016 season.
The 39-year-old debuted with the Twins in 1997 and his final season will be his 20th in the big leagues.
Ortiz has had a remarkable career, and the numbers only tell part of the story. The left-handed hitter has long been regarded as one of the most clutch players in the sport.
Sources: David Ortiz will retire at end of 2016 season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 17, 2015
David Ortiz, likely a 1st ballot Hall of Famer, will announce his official retirement on Wednesday. Effective end of 2016 season
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 17, 2015
The three-time World Series champion has a .284 career average, 503 home runs (27th all-time), 1,641 RBIs (30th all-time) and 2,303 hits.
He is a nine-time All-Star, a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a seven-time Edgar Martinez Award winner. "Big Papi" led the American League in home runs in 2006 with 54 and led the AL in RBIs in 2005 (148) and '06 (137).
The veteran was the World Series MVP in 2013 and the American League Championship Series MVP in 2004, when the Red Sox made history by winning four straight games after losing the first three to the Yankees.
Last trip to Yankee Stadium: Sept 27-29. Will Yankees salute the same way Boston did for Mariano and Jeter? https://t.co/wGwOQHIbkg
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) November 17, 2015
There will be some debate as to whether Ortiz is a Hall of Famer. His numbers suggest that he's a lock, but reported ties to performance-enhancing drugs and the fact that he spent the majority of his career as a designated hitter could hurt his case.
Ortiz isn't slowing down as he approaches 40. In 2015 he hit .273 with 37 home runs and 108 RBIs.