Report: Detroit Tigers re-sign Victor Martinez for 4 years, $68 million

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly close to re-signing Victor Martinez to a four-year deal.

The Detroit Tigers and first baseman/designated hitter Victor Martinez have reportedly agreed to a four-year deal, ESPN reported on Wednesday. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the contract is worth $68 million, or $17 million per year.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that re-signing Martinez was the Tigers' top offseason priority.

Martinez became a free agent after turning down the Tigers' $15.3 million qualifying offer last week. That he elected not to sign the offer was expected; of the 22 players that have been extended qualifying offers over the past two seasons, none have accepted.

Last season, Martinez finished second in the majors in batting average (.335) and slugging percentage (.565), and also led baseball in OPS (.974). He also hit a career-high 32 home runs with 103 RBIs. Martinez made $12 million in 2014, the last of his four-year, $50 million deal.

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Though teams like the Seattle Mariners were reportedly interested in Martinez, his preference was to remain in Detroit. The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reported in October that the Tigers expected to move quickly in their talks with Martinez.

Prior to joining the Tigers in 2011, Martinez spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Boston Red Sox after breaking into the majors with the Cleveland Indians.

The Tigers were swept out of the playoffs by the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS after finishing the regular season 90-72. Martinez batted .333 with one home run and 3 RBIs in his 12 postseason plate appearances.

The Tigers also extended a qualifying offer to pitcher Max Scherzer.

- Mike Fiammetta