Red Sox star J.D. Martinez will not opt out of his contract

There might be another trade candidate around the Major League Baseball world this winter.

According to multiple reports, Boston Red Sox star J.D. Martinez has decided against opting out of his contract for the 2020 season.

BREAKING: J.D. Martinez will not opt out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, sources tell ESPN.

By remaining with the Red Sox, Martinez can earn $62.5M over the next three years. He also has an opt-out clause after the 2020 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 4, 2019

Set to earn up to $62.5 million over the next three seasons, the 32-year-old slugger seemed to be an optimal opt-out candidate.

However, the three-time All-Star was limited to being mostly a designated hitter this past season. That could have impacted his market.

Martinez hit .304 with 36 homers, 105 RBI and a stellar .939 OPS last season. He finished No. 4 in the AL MVP voting the year before while leading the league with 130 RBI.

As Boston looks to cut payroll, there’s a decent chance that Martinez will be on the trade block this winter.