David Ortiz Says He's 'Happy' Being Retired, Talks Aaron Judge, Red Sox Roster

Former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz shot down any rumors he's considering a return to MLB following his retirement in 2016.

Ortiz told the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham he's content to remain a safe distance away from the game for the time being.

"I just retired. I don't want to be bothering anybody," he said. "I'm like that. One of these days I'll show up. I just want to give the guys their space."

Former Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez got fans talking when he suggested on Twitter Monday night that Ortiz would help Boston's offense:

With Ortiz no longer an active player, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is quickly becoming the pre-eminent power hitter in the American League East. Entering Monday night, he had a .324/.429/.681 slash line to go along with a league-best 18 home runs and 41 RBI.

Even Ortiz is in awe of Judge's strength at the plate.

"Oh my God, he's so much fun to watch," he said of the 25-year-old rookie. "That kid has a wonderful future. I told him that. That guy is the scariest thing I've ever seen."

Ortiz also waved off any concerns about the Red Sox's somewhat underwhelming start. Boston is 31-25, two games back of the first-place Yankees. Ortiz remains confident the Red Sox can get into the postseason.

"Oh, yeah. They've got a little bit of everything," he said. "That's what you need to go to the playoffs. The way he pitched the other day, David Price. That's a good sign. I think they'll be fine."

Baseball Prospectus gives the Red Sox a 68.9 percent chance of making the playoffs and 37.8 percent chance of winning the division.

Boston is on pace to win about 90 games despite the fact Price has made two starts so far. As Ortiz noted, having Price pitch more like his old self would be a big boost for the Red Sox and further strengthen a rotation that ranks third in collective FIP (3.64), per FanGraphs.