Red Sox Rumors: David Ortiz Close to Finalizing New Deal to Stay in Boston

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is rumored to be close to signing a new contract that will keep him with the club.

ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes reported the following regarding the final steps of the negotiation:

"

The two-year term -- something that was of utmost importance to the 36-year-old Ortiz -- has already been agreed upon, the source said Tuesday, but the sides are still haggling on compensation.

Ortiz is believed to be seeking a total of $25 million. The Red Sox are in that neighborhood, but hope to sign him for a few million less, according to the source, who noted the monetary negotiations are not expected to get in the way of the deal's completion.

"

The slugger has spent the last 10 seasons of his career with the Red Sox. He was a key part of the lineup during both of the team's World Series championships and has been selected to the All-Star game eight times while with Boston.

Ortiz, a lifetime .285 hitter, has been both a productive and extremely likable player throughout his career. He currently has 401 home runs, 1,326 runs batted in and 1,863 hits in his 16-year career. 

This past season, Ortiz dealt with an Achilles injury and appeared in just 90 games, but Edes’ report notes that he is recovering well and should be completely healthy in time to start preseason training.

At his age, this will likely be one of the last contracts he signs. Red Sox fans are certainly hoping that Big Papi ends his career in Boston.