MLB NEWS

Tigers sign J.D. Martinez to contract extension

The Sports Xchange

February 08, 2016 at 8:32 pm.

Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) receives congratulations from teammates after he hits a home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 6, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) receives congratulations from teammates after he hits a home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers and outfielder J.D. Martinez agreed to a two-year, $18.5 million contract extension, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

By reaching an agreement, the Tigers avoided an arbitration hearing.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Martinez will earn $6.75 million in 2016 and $11.75 million in 2017. The 28-year-old Martinez would become a free agent after the 2017 season.

The deal is pending a physical.

In 2015, Martinez hit .282 with 38 home runs and 102 RBIs. He was an All-Star for the first time last season and won the American League Silver Slugger Award in right field. He was also a finalist for a Gold Glove Award.

The two sides exchanged contract figures Jan. 15. The Tigers were offering $6 million per year, and Martinez filed for $8 million.

The Tigers have not gone to an arbitration hearing with a player since 2001.

The Tigers signed left fielder Justin Upton to a six-year, $132.75 million contract earlier this month.

ALL  |  NFL  |  College Football  |  MLB  |  NBA