Red Sox, Ortiz, agree to two year deal

The Red Sox and David Ortiz have agreed to a two year contract worth $26 million that will keep the first baseman/designated hitter in Boston through the 2014 season. Bonus incentives can boost the total value of the deal to $30 million if certain requirements are met.

Ortiz hit .318 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 383 plate appearances for Boston in 2012. In ten seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz has a combined .290 batting average, and has netted himself eight All-Star selections.

Analysis: This is a good deal for the Red Sox. Now that they have this payroll flexibility, they can afford to overpay for some players. I don't know if Ortiz is worth $13 million per season at this point in his career, but keeping him around his really important because he is a cornerstone player on that team. I just hope that he can stay healthy enough to live up to his contract.