MLB Free Agents 2011: Why David Ortiz Won't Play for Boston Red Sox in 2012

Despite Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz's recent claims that he'd like to remain with the team next season, it's hard to imagine that he'll be suiting up for the AL East powerhouse next spring.

Boston's September collapse has already sparked some major repercussions, the loss of general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona, and another one could very well be the loss of "Big Papi."

Ortiz was still one of the MLB's most productive designated hitters in 2011, but his monstrous $12.5 million contract is looking more and more worrisome given that he'll turn 36 in November.

Only four players on the Red Sox's current roster made more than Ortiz last season, and although his numbers improved from the previous two seasons, it doesn't make sense for Boston to pay a one-way player at his age who doesn't pitch millions for another year.

Red Sox fans would undoubtedly love to see Papi back in a Boston uniform next year, but the truth is there are several better options for Ortiz in 2012.

The free agent could even stay within the division, taking his talents to the Bronx or Toronto, perhaps.

If the right combination of money and potential to win a World Series championship presents itself to Ortiz, why would he stick around in Beantown?

The Red Sox are clearly going through a transition period tipped off by an ugly locker-room scandal.

The loss of Epstein in the front office and Francona in the dugout will leave question marks all over town come 2012, and Red Sox fans can only wonder how much longer Ortiz will be around, if at all.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke